‘Like SBW-Gallen’: Promoter’s call on Nelson Asofa-Solomona v Junior Paulo NRL super fight

Calls have grown for a dream NRL super fight between Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Junior Paulo, but a leading promoter believes a few things would need to happen first. Find out why.

Melbourne Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona was victorious over Jarrod Wallace at the Battle on the Reef fight night in Townsville, forcing Jarrod Wallace’s corner to throw in the towel in round 3. Picture: Alix Sweeney / Fightr Promotions

A dream NRL super fight between Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Junior Paulo is likely to remain a pipe dream for now, according to a leading promoter in the sport.

It is the boxing match-up that stormed to the front of footy fans’ minds after the Melbourne and Parramatta enforcers underlined their reputation as rugby league’s leading brawlers on the Battle on the Reef card in Townsville.

Paulo forced Ben Hannant’s trainers to throw the towel midway through the opening round of their bout while ‘NAS’s punishment forced Jarrod Wallace’s corner to call off his fight with a minute remaining in the final round.

The pair were the stars of the footballing fight card but Fightr Promotions director Dan Janiszewski – who brought nine current and former NRL stars to Townsville for the Battle on the Reef – warned footy fans it could be some time before their boxing journeys crossed paths in the ring, if at all.

“If they were both to agree to it, this would be a huge super fight,” Janiszewski said.

SOCIAL PICS: Battle on the Reef boxing in Townsville

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“It would be a huge fight, on a Sonny Bill Williams-Paul Gallen scale, but it might be something that happens after their rugby league careers.

“Junior has got credentials and he’s indicated a desire to turn pro after he finishes rugby league, and Nelson has said similar.

“It’s something they might consider, but Nelson would need a few fights – at least six or seven – before I think he would be ready (to take on Paulo).

“Nelson made a big statement last night and is already looking ahead to his next fight.”

Parramatta Eels prop Junior Paulo victorious over Ben Hannant at the Battle on the Reef fight night in Townsville on October 7, 2023. Picture: Alix Sweeney / Fightr Promotions

It will take a brave man to face the power of Paulo or ‘Big Nasty’ after they each forced their opponent’s corner to throw in the towel to put a stop to the brutal beatings.

However 193cm Roosters hard man Jared Waerea-Hargreaves could be the one to take on his countryman Asofa-Solomona after the Melbourne Storm giant declared his intention to return to the ring.

“I have a couple of guys (I want to fight next), it’s guys I’ve had altercations with on the field,” Asofa-Solomona said.

“Everyone wants to see NRL players fight, I’d love to see guys like Joe Tapine, Waerea-Hargreaves and Victor Radley in there.”

Patrick Clarke (red gloves) fights Alan Patterson (blue gloves) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

NQ SHINES IN PRE-BROADCAST UNDERCARD

North Queensland claimed the early bragging rights of the event, scoring three victories during the pre-broadcast undercard exhibition fights.

Townsville’s Presley Wilcox delivered one of the best boxing performances of the night with a unanimous 30-27 decision over Nikki ‘The Hooligan’ Webster.

Wilcox launched flurries of heavy punches at Webster and even though many connected, it wasn’t enough to floor his unflappable Mount Isa adversary.

Knuckles Boxing Gym trainer Matthew Rooney labelled it the fight of the night.

“That was a really good fight,” Rooney said.

“Nikki trains with us at Knuckles Gym and Presley is a Townsville lad, and them two heavyweights put on an absolute display. They gave it all.”

The first fight of the night was won by Townsville’s Zach Smylie, who landed the better punches during a tit-for-tat encounter with the determined Dieaga Teaukura.

It was hard to split the pair, but the judges agreed on a unanimous 29-28 victory to Smylie.

Patrick ‘The Pride of Palm Island’ Clarke shook off his recent loss to Adam Flood in Toowoomba to claim a unanimous decision over Yarabah fighter Alan Patterson.

Duelling across three, three-minute rounds, the two lightweights threw some of the fastest combos seen on Saturday.

Patrick Clarke (red gloves) fights Alan Patterson (blue gloves) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

While the heavy blows thrown later in the evening by the NRL stars made the crowd hold its breath, Clarke and Patterson’s lightning-quick hands were equally impressive in their own right.

Rooney, who is Clarke’s trainer, said he wanted the Palm Island fighter to show the crowd his full arsenal of talent.

“We wanted Patty to get in the ring and use his footwork, instead of going Mexican and going toe-to-toe,” Rooney said.

“He floated around that ring. He got the combinations going.

“We were really happy with the way the boys went and then the footy fight night was a good night as well. It had great support last night and a great venue with a really professional set-up by Fightr Promotions.”

BATTLE ON THE REEF IN PICTURES

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr defeats Frank Amato by majority decision (57-57, 58-56, 59-56) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Frank Amato at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jason Taumalolo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jason Taumalolo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Frank Amato at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Frank Amato at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard def Jason Taumalolo by split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jason Taumalolo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr defeats Frank Amato by majority decision (57-57, 58-56, 59-56) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jason Taumalolo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard def Jason Taumalolo by split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard def Jason Taumalolo by split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard def Jason Taumalolo by split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard def Jason Taumalolo by split decision (29-28 x 2, 28-29) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Frank Amato receives a standing ovation after he is beaten by Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr defeats Frank Amato by majority decision (57-57, 58-56, 59-56) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona lands an uppercut on Jarrod Wallace at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona def Jarrod Wallace by third-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona fights Jarrod Wallace at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr defeats Frank Amato by majority decision (57-57, 58-56, 59-56) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jarrod Wallace at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona def Jarrod Wallace by third-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona fights Jarrod Wallace at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jarrod Wallace at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona def Jarrod Wallace by third-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr defeats Frank Amato by majority decision (57-57, 58-56, 59-56) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jarrod Wallace at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Junior Paulo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Junior Paulo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Junior Paulo def Ben Hannant by first-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Ben Hannant at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Junior Paulo def Ben Hannant by first-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Ben Hannant at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Ben Hannant is knocked to the ground by Junior Paulo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Matt Cooper at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges def Matt Cooper by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27 x 2) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges defeats Matt Cooper by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27 x 2) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges defeats Matt Cooper by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27 x 2) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges and Matt Cooper at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Matt Cooper at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges and Matt Cooper at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jermaine Pangai defeats Nepote Dawadawa by first-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges def Matt Cooper by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27 x 2) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jermaine Pangai def Nepote Dawadawa by first-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nepote Dawadawa at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges def Matt Cooper by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-27 x 2) at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges talks to Johnathan Thurston at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Matt Cooper at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Patrick Clarke at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jermaine Pangai defeats Nepote Dawadawa by first-round TKO at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jermaine Pangai at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nepote Dawadawa at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Patrick Clarke fights Alan Patterson at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nepote Dawadawa at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nepote Dawadawa at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Patrick Clarke at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nepote Dawadawa at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Patrick Clarke fights Alan Patterson at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Ben Hannant at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Justin Hodges and his children at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Ben Hannant at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Ben Hannant at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Frank Amato at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Junior Paulo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Ben Hannant at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Tevita Pangai Jr Jnr at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Matt Cooper at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Nepote Dawadawa at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Jason Taumalolo at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Frank Amato at the Battle of the Reef fight night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention centre, October 7 2023. Picture: Blair Jackson.

Originally published as ‘Like SBW-Gallen’: Promoter’s call on Nelson Asofa-Solomona v Junior Paulo NRL super fight