Nelson Asofa-Solomona reveals true weight ahead of boxing debut alongside several NRL stars
There’s no shortage of hard-hitting giants across the NRL, but which players rank the highest when it comes to packing the most punch? See the full list here.
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He is one of the most feared men in rugby league.
Now the true size of Nelson Asofa-Solomona can be revealed as the Storm giant prepares to become the NRL’s version of Tyson Fury by making his heavyweight debut in the boxing ring.
Asofa-Solomona has formally signed a contract to fight after the NRL grand final and the Melbourne monolith will go into Saturday night‘s clash against the Dragons at WIN Stadium weighing a frightening 135kg.
That makes the Melbourne prop almost 20kg heavier than the NRL’s No.1 prop, 118kg Broncos superstar Payne Haas, and more than 25 pounds heavier than Eels hulk Junior Paulo, who tips the scales at 123kg.
Former Souths rookie Jordan Mailata was forced to quit rugby league because he was too big — he is now a 158kg sensation in the NFL — so it’s a tribute to Asofa-Solomona’s athletic gifts that he can dominate NRL at 200cm and 297 pounds.
In the off-season, Asofa-Solomona’s weight can balloon in excess of 140kg, prompting him to take up boxing in his spare time with the support of the Storm in a bid to help his conditioning and shed the kilos.
Now the 27-year-old is ready to take his pugilistic skills to the next level by making his fight debut on an All-Star NRL card on October 7 in Townsville that will also feature Paulo and Cowboys wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo.
An opponent for Asofa-Solomona is being finalised — Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace has been sounded out — and the Storm enforcer says he wants to fight like the boxer he admires most, British heavyweight king Fury.
“The boxing side of things has really helped me in the NRL,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I’m 135kg at the moment and I’ve been a lot heavier than that, but I’ve been boxing on and off for the past few years and it’s made me a lot fitter.
“Once fight night comes, I’d like to get down to the 120s and that could help my football, too.
“I know I’m pretty big for the NRL, but God has given me this body and Craig Bellamy is my coach, so it’s on me to get the job done on the field regardless of how much I weigh.
“My favourite boxer would have to be Tyson Fury, just the way he goes about things, a lot of people love his story and the way he has overcome adversity to be a heavyweight champion of the world.
“Tyson Fury is the man.
“The boys always ask me if I’m having a fight, so it’s good it has come to fruition — I am keen to jump in the ring.”
The blockbuster NRL-themed boxing event in Townsville, six days after this year’s October 1 grand final, has the backing of the relevant clubs.
The Storm, Eels and Cowboys have given the green light for Asofa-Solomona, Paulo and Taumalolo to trade boots for boxing gloves and the sight of big Nelson throwing down at 135kg will be enthralling.
But the Melbourne monster says he doesn’t want to be viewed solely as a knockout artist, outlining his plan to mix power with precision.
“This will be massive,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I can’t wait to see big boys like Jason Taumalolo and Junior Paulo get into the ring and seeing where they are at with their skills, if they are a brawler or if they are pure with a bit of boxing skills.
“I love boxing. It’s something I am definitely passionate about, but having that passion for boxing and actually being a good boxer are two different things.
“It will give me the adrenaline rush that rugby league gives me when you are taking a carry from the kick off.
“The sort of fighter I want to be ... I want to be a pure boxer, not really a brawler.
“I want to give this sport the respect it deserves and I don’t want to make a mockery of boxing, so I’m putting in the work to be a good boxer.”
While Asofa-Solomona is top dog in the land of NRL giants, Bulldogs forward Franklin Pele is not far behind on the scales at 132kg, ahead of Paulo (123kg), Newcastle‘s Daniel Saifiti (121kg) and Manly duo Taniela Paseka and Toafofoa Sipley (120kg).
Tom Burgess is South Sydney‘s man mountain at 120kg, while Haas, Canberra’s Josh Papalii and Cowboys bookend Jordan McLean could easily pass as boxing heavyweights at 118kg.
Asofa-Solomona said he would relish seeing a number of other NRL enforcers test themselves in the fight game following Paul Gallen‘s stunning transition from elite footballer to pay-per-view prizefighting star.
“Everyone would love to see Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Roosters prop) in the ring,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“(Victor) Radley as well as Joe Tapine (Canberra) and Christian Welch (Storm teammate), I would love to see him in there.
“The other NRL guys are going to go really well. Just getting into the ring and potentially getting knocked out takes courage.
“It‘s lined up pretty well for me I guess, the opportunity. It’s a bit of a now or never thing.
“The NRL calendar is very busy and this is the perfect opportunity for me to test myself in the ring.”
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