15 Dec 2013

SBW stripped of NZ heavy-weight title

4:41 pm on 15 December 2013

The New Zealand Professional Boxing Association has stripped Sonny Bill Williams of his heavy weight crown and declared the title vacant.

The association says it acted after Williams failed to respond to a challenge lodged by Joseph Parker in October.

The association's secretary Pat Leonard says after winning the title in February 2012 Williams has indicated he's unlikely to return box again until 2016.

Leonard says an elimination series will now be held to find a contender for vacant crown.

He says the association wants it awarded in a title unification bout with Jospeph Parker, the National Boxing Federation heavy weight champion.

Meanwhile, Fairfax has reported Williams has also been stripped of his World Boxing Association heavy weight title.