9 Feb 2013

Botha wants rematch after SBWs controversy

9:48 am on 9 February 2013

The South African boxer Francois Botha says the World Boxing Association should order an immediate rematch after his controversial loss to Sonny Bill Williams last night in Brisbane.

The bout was billed as a 12 round fight in the build-up but it was suddenly cut to 10 rounds after Botha had the former All Black on the ropes in the ninth.

The crowd booed when Williams was awarded a unanimous points decision and Botha says he may lodge an appeal against the result.

He says the rules can't be bent just because Williams is a super star in rugby.

Williams who has elected to return to rugby league with the Sydney Roosters this year was non-commital about his future in boxing after the fight.

Earlier Australian rugby player Quade Cooper won his maiden boxing bout with a first round knockout against Barry Dunnett in their cruiserweight contest.