Sonny Bill Williams KOs AFL legend Barry Hall in the first round after knocking down opponent TWICE in a huge mismatch

NEW ZEALAND boxer Sonny Bill Williams KO’d former Aussie Rules star Barry Hall with a one-sided punch in the first round.

The 36-year-old heavyweight Williams is a former rugby league player but showed he was serious about the fighting game as he dismantled Hall in two minutes to go 9-0 as a pro.

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Hall fell to the ground in the opening minute of the contest, but the referee ruled it a slip.

Moments later, however, he was legitimately stabbed and forced to count on the mat.

The 45-year-old scrambled to his feet but was easy prey for the fresher, younger, more technically sound Williams.

And the Kiwi only had to wait a few seconds before bringing the KO to the temple with a vicious right hand.

Hall was laid out on the canvas when the referee waved it off.

Williams immediately jumped to the top rope and celebrated the win in front of a raucous crowd at Sydney’s Aware Super Theater.

Hall had only fought once professionally before losing to Williams.

That happened back in 2019 when he drew against Paul Gallen.

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And it was Gallen that Williams called out after his spectacular KO win over Hall.

Williams also thanked trainer Andy Lee, as well as heavyweight stars Tyson Fury and Joseph Parker, with whom he trained in preparation for the duel.

Lee has been training with SugarHill Steward Fury for his two wins over Deontay Wilder.