Nelson Asofa-Solomona insists he feels calm and confident as he prepares to complete his transition from rugby league to boxing in his first professional fight tonight.
The 29-year-old will square off against fellow former NRL prop Jeremy Latimore in four three-minute rounds on the undercard of the Nikita Tszyu vMichael Zerafa bout at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
It has been a hectic few months for Asofa-Solomona, who walked away from a lucrative $800,000-a-season NRL contract with the Melbourne Storm in October to sign a nine-fight deal with No Limit Boxing.
Speaking to the Herald, Asofa-Solomona said he feels relaxed and is eager to let his hands do the talking.
“People know me for my aggressive nature on the field, and that part isn’t new to me, but the sport of boxing is,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“As I dive into it, I’m realising it’s more than just throwing hands, there’s a real science to it. I’m still new to the game and picking up new things all the time.
“It’s something new and exciting, and I just want to enjoy the process and hopefully everything comes to fruition.”
This is not the Wellingtonian’s first rodeo inside the ring. In 2023, Asofa-Solomona fought Jarrod Wallace, knocking out the former Dolphins prop in a three-round heavyweight fight, although that was considered an amateur bout.
Even though he’s stepped away from the sport where he amassed 215 appearances with the Melbourne Storm, winning premierships in 2017 and 2020, and making 16 test appearances for New Zealand, Asofa-Solomona is refusing to completely shut the door on rugby league.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona in action with the Kiwis. Photo / Photosport
“My best and fondest memories were playing for the Kiwis,” Asofa-Solomona said. “I really enjoyed my time with the boys there because we all come from similar backgrounds.
“Right now, I’m on a different path. I feel like I’m in the passenger seat and God’s in the driver’s seat. I’m just going wherever he wants me to go.
“I haven’t really had much time to reflect on my career yet, but looking back at what we achieved as a team at the Melbourne Storm, I’m very proud.”
Nelson Asofa-Solomona says boxing is "more than just throwing hands, there’s a real science to it". Photo / Photosport
For Asofa-Solomona, the focus now is on Latimore, who played 182 NRL games for five clubs, including 24 for the Warriors in 2010-11.
While Latimore won’t be a pushover, Asofa-Solomona holds a clear size advantage, tipping the scales at 133.1kg to his opponent’s 112kg.
“He’s done well just to even put up his hand and get himself into the gym, so you’ve got to give credit where it’s due, it’s not easy to get into the ring,” Asofa-Solomona said.
