Origin star Josh Papalii opens up on how backyard boxing fights are behind decision to fight in 2021

As he prepares to step into the ring early in 2021 as part of a hyped footy fight night, Josh Papalii opens up on his ‘sensitive nose’ and the childhood fights that left him bleeding.

On the day we track him down for a yarn, Josh Papalii is hosting a third birthday party for son Noa.

Which gets us to thinking.

How does the little bloke throw them?

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Josh Papalii has revealed a long-held passion for boxing.

Not the craziest question when you understand how long before he was a Canberra Raiders enforcer – or, more recently, rugby league’s No.1 prop – Papalii was a backyard brawler.

Not exactly, say, Kimbo Slice in those Youtube classics. But growing up in Logan, Queensland, little Josh would regularly join up to 16 cousins for backyard boxing matches where those nearest in age would don gloves and throw down.

“Entertainment for the oldies,” is how Papalii recalls it.

“The whole backyard was the ring. So you just had to get in there and do your best.”

Which meant what for you?

“Ah, I had a real sensitive nose,” the Raiders tough continues. “So when my cousins would hit me, yeah, it would still be bleeding the next day.”

Yet despite the often bloodied snoz, the love of boxing has never left Papalii.

The No.1 prop in the NRL is ready to take his talents to the boxing ring.

Which is why come next February, the 28-year-old Queensland Origin star will compete on a hyped footy fight night boasting names like Willie Mason, Justin Hodges, Scott Prince, even Parramatta prop Junior Paulo.

Indeed, initially, Papalii was slated to fight Paulo.

But after that bout fell through – on account of the pair being great mates – the Raiders star was then offered hulking Melbourne forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona. A fella whose fight credentials, you may recall, were made outside a Balinese nightclub.

But then that fight disappeared too, with Big Nelson apparently chasing a showdown with Darcy Lussick.

Yet regardless of who he eventually punches on with, Papalii insists he is grateful simply for the opportunity.

Better, the best prop anywhere in the NRL will head home to Logan after Christmas to train alongside one of his cousins, famed Australian heavyweight Alex Leapai.

Back in 2014, Leapai fought Wladimir Klitschko for the world heavyweight title.

Josh Papalii’s cousin Alex Leapai took on Wladimir Klitschko for a world title in 2014.

“So I’m not sure I’ll be sparring him,” Papalii laughed.

Although early in December, Leapai did help another Origin enforcer, former NSW captain Paul Gallen, train for what would eventually be a shock decision win over UFC legend Mark Hunt.

So as for what Papalii made of his cousin helping out Queensland’s Public Enemy No.1?

“I think Gal’s been awesome,” he says of the undefeated heavyweight.

“I’ve been to a World Cup with him and, one day, went along to watch him spar some guy of there.

“He actually broke the guy’s nose, too.

“Gal, he works hard. He’s got that mentality where he doesn’t take a backward step to anyone.”

Papalii was impressed with Paul Gallen’s win over Mark Hunt.

So as for what you made of his win over Hunt?

“I missed the first couple of rounds because I was at dinner,” Papalii says. “But then I rushed him to watch the finish, which was a mad slug fest.

“But Gal, he was just too good.”

Now, wonderfully, Papalii gets his own crack.

“I’ve always wanted to have a fight – and have been offered them a few times -- but I just couldn’t ever find the time to prepare properly,” he says.

“But after Christmas, I’ll be heading up to train with Alex.

“He’ll find me some guys to spar against. Just so I can get used to being hit, finding some rhythm, get used to boxing again.

Josh Papalii says boxing is an excellent way to get into shape for the new season.

“It’s also a good way for me to get in shape for the NRL season.

“Usually this time of year, you’re going through the grind with all that running.

“And while I do still have to run, I now get to box as well, which is something I’ve always enjoyed.”

But as for whether his son, Noa, has been pitched into training, too?

“A little bit,” Papalii laughed. “He’s only just turned three but doesn’t mind it.

“Although right now he’s more into his action figures.

“Especially the Hulk, loves him.

“Which usually means he doesn’t mind smashing things around the house.”

Originally published as Origin star Josh Papalii opens up on how backyard boxing fights are behind decision to fight in 2021