By 3 News online staff
A punch-up has broken out at the Sonny Bill Williams, Clarence Tillman III weigh-in, with Williams copping a blow to the face.
The pair were weighing in ahead of tomorrow night’s New Zealand Professional Boxing Association title fight, when suddenly tempers flared.
As Williams and Tillman went toe-to-toe for photographers, the situation turned ugly with Tillman pushing Williams before throwing a right hook.
Williams later confirmed that the punch hit him in the face.
After the punch was thrown, Williams’ brother John tackled Tillman over a bench seat onto the side of a ring. He then left the arena swearing and cursing.
Williams told reporters he was surprised at what had happened "especially from a seasoned campaigner like Clarence is".
"That's pretty below the belt, but that's all good," he said.
He couldn't repeat what Tillman said to him, but said there was no questioning the American's motivation.
"He definitely coming to fight and that's what I want - a challenge," he said.
"Hopefully we can put it on for the people."
Williams’ trainers Anthony Mundine and his father Tony were furious at the fight.
Anthony Mundine calling the punch a “dog shot”.
Tomorrow’s fight, over 10 three-minute rounds, will be the dual league and union international's fifth of his boxing career, and he has won all his previous bouts.
A member of the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup-winning squad, Williams had been doing his preparation while also taking part in pre-season training with Super rugby side the Chiefs.
He weighed in 107.9kg, while Tillman tipped the scales at 128.4kg.
The 34-year-old Tillman, originally from New Orleans but now based in Auckland, has a record of 11 wins, eight losses and two draws.
He was a late replacement after Williams' original opponent, Richard Tutaki, was dropped when found to be facing criminal charges.
During a testy press conference that preceded the weigh-in, Tillman was asked about his comments that he had not got the respect he warrants.
"Just some of the things I've heard from some people, which is just kind of asinine, really, but everybody has their own opinion," he said.
Asked to reveal what exactly had upset him, he said: "It's not even worth it."
3 News / NZN