Mark Hunt defeats Sonny Bill Williams in 'unbelievable' boxing upset

Sonny Bill Williams has suffered the first loss of his boxing career, going down to MMA legend Mark Hunt in a huge upset.

Mark Hunt throws a punch as Sonny Bill Williams goes down during the heavyweight fight between Sonny Bill Williams and Mark Hunt at Aware Super Theatre on November 05, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Well that was unexpected.

Sonny Bill Williams has suffered the first loss of his professional boxing career, going down to MMA legend Mark Hunt in a mega upset.

Williams went into the heavyweight fight with a 9-0 record having last beaten Barry Hall in March, while Hunt's last outing was a loss to Paul Gallen in 2020. 

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The cross-code superstar started the fight well and appeared the better boxer before both Williams and Hunt opened the shoulders and started swinging hard in the third round. 

Hunt may be 48 years old but he still possesses immense power, as he showed in a wild fourth round.

He knocked Williams' mouthguard out with a brutal right hand before dropping him with a couple of hooks.

Mark Hunt had too much power for Sonny Bill Williams. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Mark Hunt dropped Sonny Bill Williams. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

"Sonny Bill is down," commentator Andy Raymond said on Stan Sport.

"He's hurt. Against the odds, Sonny Bill Williams has been dropped. His eyes are not clear."

Williams survived the standing count but didn't last much longer, as Hunt landed a powerful fight jab to his jaw and continued to hammer Williams with both hands against the ropes.

"Mark Hunt, in his final fight, stops the legend that is Sonny Bill Williams. What a fight," Raymond said.

Australian boxing legend Danny Green added: "Wow that was unbelievable."

Williams was seeing stars and the referee had no choice but to stop the fight. The former rugby league and union star could scarcely believe it as he went down on his haunches in pain.

Earlier, NRL star Tevita Pangai Jr claimed a stunning knockout win over Jeremiah Tupai with his new Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo watching ringside.

Tevita Pangai Junior knocks out Jeremiah Tupai-Ui on the undercard. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)