Sonny Bill names new opponent
All Black rugby star Sonny Bill Williams will fight Clarence Tillman for the vacant New Zealand heavyweight title next month.
Williams's original opponent, Richard Tutaki, was arrested on drugs charges last week and Tillman, an American, has taken his place.
Williams, who has won all four of his professional bouts, two by knockout, will take on Tillman in Hamilton on February 8.
Tutaki is due to appear in court on Tuesday to face ten charges, including possession of methamphetamine and receiving stolen property.
The 34-year-old Auckland-based Tillman was born in the United States. He has had 21 professional fights, winning 11, losing 8 and drawing 2.
Tillman is seen as the best of Williams's opponents to date. He beat Tutaki on points last year.
Williams, an All Black three-quarter in last year’s rugby World Cup tournament, has been training in Australia for his next fight. Tony Mundine, father of top Australian boxer Anthony, assisted the 26-year-old New Zealander with his preparations.
The highly rated All Black remains committed to his rugby career and will turn out for the Hamilton-based Waikato Chiefs in the Super Rugby series this season. He played for Crusaders last year.