Nelson Asofa-Solomona entered the boxing ring as a novice and exited a cult hero.
The Storm prop – all two metres and 131.6kg of him – is the NRL’s biggest man.
But can he punch on?
Within five seconds, we had our answer. That’s how long it took him to floor Jarrod Wallace. The only thing more unbelievable than his brutal right uppercut was the sight of the Dolphins prop regaining his feet after it.
“I didn’t hit him clean,” Asofa-Solomona said afterwards.
“He went to the deck, got back up and fought back like a champion.”
Nelson Asofa-Solomona batters Jarrod Wallace.Credit: Stan Sport
Perhaps Wallace wished he didn’t. He was again on the canvas in the second and the fight was mercifully stopped in the third.
“At the end of the day, I’m too good,” Nelson Asofa-Solomona said.
Indeed. It was a night in which headline act Paulo Aukuso overcame countless obstacles – a missed weight cut, the near-death of his trainer to a quadruple heart bypass and a fractured jaw he brought into the ring – to earn a points decision against Gabriel Omar Diaz. The Argentine put on a spirited display, but the judges handed it to Aukuso 95-95, 98-92 and 97-94.
The other footballers also put on a show. Tevita Pangai Junior boldly claimed he would eventually become the heavyweight champion of the world, but barely survived a searing examination from the unknown Frank Amato.
“TPJ” earned a majority points decision which Michael Zerafa, commentating from ringside, said “could have gone either way.”
The former Bulldogs enforcer said he wants to run it back.
“I want a rematch, I’ll take it again,” Pangai said.
“I’m going to prove the doubters wrong. I’m going to get back into the gym on Sunday, when everyone is partying.”
Junior Paulo showcased his power.Credit: Stan Sport
There is a void in the footballer-cum-fighter market now that Paul Gallen has retired. Asofa-Solomona and Paulo could well fill it. The Parramatta prop couldn’t have been more impressive against Ben Hannant, felling the “Polar Bear” in a “contest” that should have been halted much earlier.
It was a good night for Eels forwards, with teammate Regan Campell-Gillard claiming the upset of the night. In a bout between the debutants, “RCG” earned a points-decision win over local favourite Jason Taumalolo.
In other results, Justin Hodges beat Matt Cooper, while the younger brothers of Panga Jnr and Aokuso – Jermaine Pangai and Austin Aokuso – delivered double celebrations for their families.
However, Asofa-Solomona stole the show.
Paulo Aukuso overcame adversity to seal the win.Credit: Stan Sport
“This is for my dad, he’s the one who got me into boxing,” he said. “He will be looking down and feeling proud.
“I love the sport of boxing – I give it the respect it deserves.”
So who should “Big Nasty” face next?
He was impressed with Campbell-Gillard’s performance and wanted to see the likes of Victor Radley and Jared Waera-Hargreaves in the ring before deciding if they were worthy.
“They’re not on my level,” he said.
Tevita Pangai Junior prevailed in a thriller.Credit: Stan Sport
“Anyone can get it. It’s really up to the Storm – I’m employed by them and they get the last say.
“From seeing tonight, hopefully they have the confidence in knowing I can step into the ring.
“At the end of the day, they want me to maintain my weight. I can do boxing off-site and keep my weight at bay, I think they will be very happy with that.
“In terms of boxing, I want to jump in as soon as possible.”
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