New Zealand Rugby
Sonny Bill lines up new opponent
ESPNscrum Staff
January 16, 2012
Sonny Bill Williams takes on Scott Lewis in his third professional boxing bout, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Australia, January 29, 2011
Sonny Bill will fight Clarence Tillman III © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Sonny Bill Williams
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby
Teams: Chiefs | New Zealand

Sonny Bill Williams has lined up Clarence Tillman III as his new opponent for the New Zealand Heavyweight crown.

Williams' previous opponent Richard Tutaki was recently arrested after failing to appear in court on 10 charges which include: possession of methamphetamine, breach of bail, receiving stolen property, unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, failing to remain stopped and giving false details to police. And in response, the Kiwi international's management has lined up Tillman for the February 8 bout. Williams' manager Koder Nasser has labelled it a "great spectacle" and the All Blacks centre is looking forward to getting into the ring once again.

"The fight is going to be a huge challenge," Williams said. "Tillman is a quality fighter, so I will have to put in the extra yards over the next three and a half weeks and change my fight plan accordingly."

Tillman's record, however, is hardly sensational. He has won 11 of his 21 fights and is ranked sixth out of the 27 active heavyweights in New Zealand. The fight comes just two weeks before the start of the new Super Rugby campaign with Williams playing his first season with the Chiefs.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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