Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Tim Tszyu: NRL Stars Boxing Heavyweight Drama

Former Melbourne Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has transitioned into professional boxing, sparking a series of high-tension confrontations as he seeks to dominate the division of former National Rugby League (NRL) players.

Asofa-Solomona, known as Big Nasty, made his professional debut on January 16, 2026, in Brisbane. He secured a first-round knockout victory over Jeremy Latimore, ending the fight with a massive uppercut just two minutes and 22 seconds into the bout.

The match was part of an undercard for the fight between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa. Latimore, 39, entered the ring giving away 10 years and 22kg to the 133kg Asofa-Solomona.

NRL Defection and Boxing Ambitions

The decision to enter the boxing ring followed a period of frustration for Asofa-Solomona in the NRL. The two-time premiership winner had missed two previous grand final losses with the Melbourne Storm due to suspension.

Reports indicate that Asofa-Solomona turned down a contract with the Parramatta Eels valued at $800,000 per season to pursue boxing. Upon announcing his defection in November 2025, he stated, You can’t get sent off in boxing.

Despite the quick knockout of Latimore, Asofa-Solomona expressed dissatisfaction with his own technical performance, noting that he felt a bit loose regarding his stance. However, he maintained a goal to clean up the whole NRL division and stated that any NRL player can get it.

Escalation with Jarrod Wallace

The tension surrounding Asofa-Solomona’s crossover career reached a peak during a weigh-in show on April 4, 2026, at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre. Asofa-Solomona squared off against Jarrod Wallace, a Queensland Origin retiree who had reportedly lost 16kg for the upcoming fight.

The exchange turned personal when Wallace criticized Asofa-Solomona and his entourage for using private aircraft to travel to events in Sydney and Wollongong. Wallace told the host, But no private jets can save you now.

Asofa-Solomona responded via the microphone, stating, We’ve landed the plane … now we land the punch on his f***ing chin.

The weigh-in was marked by further volatility, including a demand from Asofa-Solomona for Wallace to remove his shirt. Following the encounter, Wallace commented, F*** me, he tried to take it off the c***.

Wider Boxing Context

The events in Wollongong were part of a larger boxing card that included other high-profile matchups. Tim Tszyu faced Albanian rival Denis Nurja on April 5, 2026. During the promotional phase, Tszyu declined to shake Nurja’s hand and expressed confidence ahead of a future $15 million showdown with Errol Spence Jnr.

hometown fighter Sam Goodman was involved in a physical altercation with his Argentinian opponent during a face-off, requiring security to separate the two athletes.

Asofa-Solomona’s rise in the heavyweight ranks has already drawn attention from other former athletes. George Burgess, a retired South Sydney Rabbitohs player, has previously called out Asofa-Solomona, claiming he is fit and ready to face the New Zealand Test star.