NRL stars Jason Taumalolo, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Junior Paulo set for Townsville fight night

Cowboys powerhouse Jason Taumalolo will face the ultimate test in the ring by starring in an NRL-themed boxing blockbuster in Townsville. Find out which other NRL players will be on the card.

They are two of the most feared men in rugby league.

Now Cowboys powerhouse Jason Taumalolo and Storm giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona will face the ultimate test in the ring by starring as heavyweights in an NRL-themed boxing blockbuster in Townsville.

NRL stars Taumalolo and Asofa-Solomona have signed on to make their fight debuts alongside NSW Origin hulk Junior Paulo in a historic crossover sporting spectacular at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on October 7.

The main event will feature Australia’s unbeaten rising star Paulo Aokuso (5-0, 3KO), who is set to face France’s Mickael Diallo (20-1-2, 17KO) for the IBO light-heavyweight intercontinental title.

But all eyes will be on 135kg monster Asofa-Solomona and Tongan torpedo Taumalolo, who plans to unleash fists of fury before his adoring local north Queensland fans six days after the NRL grand final.

Cowboy Jason Taumalolo and unbeaten boxer Paulo Aokuso at the Ville to promote an NRL-themed boxing blockbuster in Townsville on October 7. Picture: Robbie Bolton – 537 Media

Asofa-Solomona, Paulo and Taumalolo will take on fellow NRL players, who are yet to be finalised, and while the Cowboys co-captain is focused on his side’s run to the finals, he is primed for post-season fireworks.

Taumalolo’s boxing debut comes two years after Townsville hosted an NRL All Stars fight night involving Cowboys legend Matt Bowen and Eels prop Paulo, who thumped Neville Costigan in a second-round TKO.

“I’m a bit nervous, but I’ll be ready to rumble,” Taumalolo said.

“I don’t know if I’ll deliver a knockout, I might get knocked out myself, but I’ve been doing the training and I want to respect the sport by putting in the hard work.

“My interest started a few years back. I watched the big guys like Josh Papalii (Canberra’s Queensland Origin prop) and Junior fighting in Townsville and this being my home for the past decade, it’s a great place to start my fighting experience.

“The Cowboys are my first priority and I’m totally committed to them, so hopefully we can make the grand final and straight after that, I’ll be taking to the ring.

“It’s the first time to ‘take the walk’ so I’m looking forward to it.”

Cowboy Jason Taumalolo and unbeaten boxer Paulo Aokuso at the Ville to promote an NRL-themed boxing blockbuster in Townsville on October 7. Picture: Robbie Bolton – 537 Media

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 the Polynesian powerhouses unloading in the ring will be enthralling.

The trio have agreed terms on three, two-minute rounds. Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace has been sounded out to fight Asofa-Solomona, while promoters are finalising an opponent for the 115kg Taumalolo, who dabbled in boxing growing up to guard against bullying.

The Cowboys lock idolised Panama-born boxing legend Roberto Duran, who won 103 of 119 professional fights with a staggering 70 knockouts.

“I did boxing as a kid growing up,” Taumalolo said.

“Dad would always take me to a boxing gym and I’ve done a few workouts with a few guys over the years, too.

“Rugby league and rugby union were my main priorities and boxing was kind of a thing as a dad, you didn’t want your kids being bullied, so it’s always good to protect yourself.

“It’s pretty exciting for myself _ I get to be on a card with a world-class fighter like Paulo Aokuso and there’s a few other rugby league big names that will be taking centre stage.

“It’s going to be exciting not only for rugby league, but from a boxing perspective it will be pretty huge.”

Nelson Asofa-Solomona of the Storm is tackled during round 24. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Like Taumalolo, Asofa-Solomona 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 see 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.”

Of Asofa-Solomona, Taumalolo said: “Nelson is a weapon. He is definitely the biggest body in the NRL and if he starts throwing punches, I’m sure everyone will be scared.

“I can’t wait to see him in the ring.”

Originally published as NRL stars Jason Taumalolo, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Junior Paulo set for Townsville fight night