Francois Botha tries to land a punch on Sonny Bill Williams. Picture: Jono Searle
A BADLY hurt Sonny Bill Williams survived some of the biggest hits he has ever copped to win a controversial decision over ancient South African Frans Botha at the Entertainment Centre last night.
But with the whiff of farce all over the lead-up, Botha was kicking up a stink after a last-minute decision to switch the bout from 12 rounds to 10 probably cost him victory.
Botha lost a version of the world heavyweight title after failing a steroid test in 1995.
But last night it was the sharp jabs from Williams that brought him undone early.
That was until Botha came on strong and had Williams badly dazed in the closing seconds. The South African plans to protest - and is demanding a rematch.
Sonny Bill Williams punches Francois Botha during their heavyweight bout at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Picture: Jono Searle
"This was bulls---. It was supposed to be 12 rounds."
Even commentators were caught by surprise over the decision to cut the fight short.
Williams hinted that he might not box again after surviving the furious 10th round.
Sonny Bill Williams punches Francois Botha during their heavyweight bout at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Picture: Chris Hyde
"He caught me with a couple of good shots but thank God I stuck in there," he said.
Asked if he would fight again after being so close to going down, Williams said: "I don't know. I'll just keep plugging away, keep on doing what's keeping me happy."
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Williams was clearly unhappy in the 10th round as Botha, who had struggled to catch the hulking league and union international all night, finally started a bombing raid.
Francois Botha and Sonny Bill Williams after the fight. Picture: Jono Searle
With 30 seconds left and Williams out on his feet, referee Tony Kettlewell stopped the action and took a point from Williams for excessive holding.
The break gave Williams 15 vital seconds to clear his head and Botha had run out of time to finish it.
The portly 44-year-old Botha, who in better days had traded punches with Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko, later said he was pacing himself to go 12 rounds.
It was a thrilling end to a fight that was entertaining but hardly enlightening as to Williams' true ability.
Sonny Bill Williams is joined by Anthony Mundine and Quade Cooper after his win. Picture: Jono Searle
REPLAY OUR COVERAGE OF THE SONNY BILL WILLIAMS-FRANCOIS BOTHA FIGHT BELOW.
Quade Cooper lands a punch on Barry Dunnet in their cruiserweight bout. Picture: Jono Searle Source: The Courier-Mail
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