Former Melbourne Storm powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona has announced a bold career shift from rugby league to professional boxing. Signing a multi-year contract with Australian promoters No Limit, Asofa-Solomona aims to “pave his own way” in the world of boxing. His debut fight is scheduled for January 16, featured on the undercard of the Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa event.
The 29-year-old, who had been rumored to be considering a move to the English Super League or R360, has instead committed to the boxing ring. “I’ve thrown myself a bit into the unknown, taken a risk. Sometimes I think ‘what the hell am I doing?’” he told foxsports.com.au, reflecting on his decision.
From Rugby to the Ring
Asofa-Solomona’s transition from rugby league to boxing follows a pattern seen in other athletes such as Paul Gallen and Anthony Mundine, who successfully made similar switches. However, Asofa-Solomona is determined to carve out his own path. “I want to pave my own way,” he emphasized, acknowledging the inspiration he draws from those who have gone before him.
Standing at a towering 201cm, Asofa-Solomona has already experienced the boxing ring, having fought fellow NRL player Jarrod Wallace. Despite winning that bout with a third-round TKO, he initially thought it would be his last. “I didn’t think I was going to fight again but it’s something that I enjoy,” he admitted.
Challenges and Opportunities
The move to boxing represents a significant change for Asofa-Solomona, who spent a decade with the Melbourne Storm. His aggressive playing style often led to suspensions, including missing the last two grand finals. This aggression, however, is seen as an asset in boxing.
No Limit CEO George Rose expressed confidence in Asofa-Solomona’s potential. “I think he’s going to be great. There’s nothing holding him back when he gets in the ring,” Rose stated, adding that the search for an opponent is underway. “That card just got bigger … it just got six-foot-7 bigger.”
Boxing’s Sweet Science
Asofa-Solomona is committed to mastering the “sweet science” of boxing, beyond just relying on his natural power. “I don’t want it to be all grunt and like a pub fight. I want to give the respect to boxing and really focus on the real basics,” he explained. He has been studying legendary boxers like Lennox Lewis, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, and Wladimir Klitschko to refine his skills.
“Yeah, I just love the sweet science. There’s the brutality of the sport but there’s also the sweet science of setting up a shot.”
Looking Ahead
As Asofa-Solomona prepares for his January debut, he harbors ambitions of reaching the pinnacle of Australian heavyweight boxing and eventually taking on global competition. “It’d be silly not to think like that, there’s a lot of hard work in front of me,” he said, expressing his readiness to embrace the challenges ahead.
This career shift comes as Asofa-Solomona admits to falling out of love with rugby league, while discovering a new passion for boxing. “It’s a great opportunity. It’s no secret I’ve fallen out of love with the game of rugby league, for now, but I’ve fallen in love with the boxing game,” he revealed.
As he embarks on this new chapter, the former rugby league star is keen to test himself in the ring. “I’m here to test myself. I’m here to take a risk… ultimately I would regret it if I didn’t give it a shot.”
