On the eve of the Tim Tszyu v Michael Zerafa fight in Brisbane, AllSportsPeople Australia caught up with former NRL cult figure George Rose, who shared strong views on ex-Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s transition into boxing.
Rose was renowned in the NRL for his burly frame as a throwback prop, but is now a prominent figure in Australian boxing as the CEO of No Limit Boxing.
That unique background is why his comments on Asofa-Solomona are eye-opening, with the former Manly forward believing the former Melbourne Storm giant could be a revelation in his switch.
“The best heavyweights are up around that 6'7 plus, so he's built like a modern-day heavyweight boxer,” Rose told AllSportsPeople.
MORE: Asofa-Solomona keen to fight Paul Gallen
“So for someone like him to come into the sport now, I think there’s more opportunity for him to go on to bigger and better things,” Rose added.
When questioned about former NRL champion Paul Gallen, who played against Rose and carved out the most successful boxing career of any league convert, his tone was far less encouraging.
As the benchmark for NRL players turned boxers, the prospect of Asofa-Solomona fighting Gallen surfaced early in the former Storm star’s move to the ring, with ‘Big Nelson’ openly stating he would welcome the bout.
Rose, however, was scathing in his advice to Gallen should he consider stepping back into the ring against Asofa-Solomona.
“Nelson Asofa-Solomona is way fitter, he’s way stronger, he’s way more powerful, and if I was advising Gal I would say stay the hell away from it because Nelson will do damage,” Rose stated emphatically.
While Gallen has not indicated any intention to return following his 2022 retirement after defeating fellow former NRL star Justin Hodges, a fight with Asofa-Solomona would be one of the biggest drawcards in Australian boxing.
A payday of that magnitude is always difficult to ignore, and with Asofa-Solomona publicly expressing interest, the possibility remains as he looks to build his profile in the sport.
There would likely be no bigger stage to elevate his boxing career than a bout with Gallen, making it a promoter’s dream and explaining why Rose’s comments have raised eyebrows.
Gallen aside, Rose is adamant Asofa-Solomona can carve his own path in Australian boxing and has the potential for an extremely successful career.
Given Rose’s experience at the highest level of rugby league and his influence in the boxing world, it is a significant endorsement for a fighter who has only recently transitioned from the NRL.