‘Not something Gal could handle’: Shock NRL crossover call after $25m boxing reveal

Nelson Asofa-Solomona is already being backed to finish Paul Gallen should the pair sign off on a blockbuster 2026 heavyweight bout, with even No Limit boss George Rose declaring: “I don’t think it’s something Gal could handle”.

Speaking on the eve of Asofa-Solomona’s hyped professional debut, Rose also refused to discount suggestions his new heavyweight could eventually earn as much as $1 million in fights – just like Gal did at the peak of his career.

N. Tszyu vs Zerafa | Friday 16 Jan from 7pm AEDT | The trash talk and bitterness come to a head when Nikita Tszyu steps into the ring to face Michael Zerafa in one of the most anticipated fights in Australian boxing history. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

“Because in my eyes,” Rose told Fox Sports Australia, “anyone stepping in front of big Nelson is getting knocked out cold.”

Only weeks after quitting his old life as a Melbourne Storm prop, Asofa-Solomona is now finalising preparations for Friday week’s debut on stacked Brisbane Entertainment Centre showcase – set to be headlined by the all-Australian grudge match that is Michael Zerafa versus Nikita Tszyu.

Despite fears he would struggle to find an opponent in the crossover space, NAS will be welcomed to the professional ranks by another fella who made his name in rugby league – popular NRL journeyman Jeremy Latimore.

While long considered one the code’s good guys – and affectionately dubbed ‘The GOAT’ by fans – Latimore is said to have genuinely annoyed Asofa-Solomona during their playing careers, including with a now highly-publicised 2018 incident involving Storm skipper Cam Smith.

Regardless, NAS remains so heavily favoured to win his debut there have already been whispers of him potentially squaring off next against Gallen, the man who has most recently dominated the Australian crossover boxing space.

Another option would be fast-tracking the 130kg Melburnian to a national heavyweight title.

Asked about a potential Gallen showdown only last week, NAS replied: “Obviously, right now, Gal is retired and doing his media thing.

“So I’m definitely not calling him out. I’m not that guy.

“But if he did want to come back? I know there would be a lot of hype around any fight between us.

“And we could both make some decent money from it.”

Yet when asked this week about the possibility of coaxing Gallen, at 44, out of retirement after fighting, and beating, Sonny Bill Williams in July, Rose conceded it was unlikely his former client would bite.

“And look, we’ve enjoyed some great years with Gal,” Rose said. “And I can tell you that as an athlete, Paul Gallen fears absolutely no one.

“But in a boxing ring these days, I just don’t think he could keep up with Nelson.

“I think Nelson is too big, too fit.

“I just don’t think it’s something Gal could handle.”

Apart from standing 20cm taller than Gallen, Asofa-Solomona would also potentially outweigh him by as much as 30kg in any potential heavyweight showdown.

The former New Zealand Test prop is also 15 years younger.

Importantly, Rose also suggests NAS boasts the perfect frame for success as a heavyweight in the modern era.

“In this age of heavyweights, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is built for it,” Rose continued. “And based on his physical attributes there really is no limit to what he can achieve.

“He’s got the size, the natural athleticism, all of it.

“So if he also has the boxing fundamentals down … he’ll be a very dangerous man.”

Pushed on a potential showdown with Gallen, Rose continued: “Gal’s size was always his biggest detriment.

“He had the ticker, the power, the fitness, everything else.

“But Nelson? He’s 6’7’’ and 130 kilos.

“Plus he’s also got the footwork, the fitness, and that rugby league agility.

“So if he can find the right way to unleash all that power his body possesses, good luck to anyone on the end of his punches.”

In fact, Rose added Asofa-Solomona’s finishing ability could also see him become Australia’s newest pay-per-view star.

On the eve of Gallen’s first boxing farewell in 2022, he revealed to Fox Sports Australia about having grossed $25 million in his three most recent years fighting.

While the Cronulla premiership hero was estimated to have earned $9 million in total purse earnings, his bouts amassed almost three times that from 2020 – a period which included showdowns against the likes of Justis Huni, Mark Hunt and Lucas Browne.

Gallen said that while Anthony Mundine grossed $75 million during his storied fight career, his own final three years have been worth a staggering $8.3 million annually.

So what chance Big Nelson now goes and does the same?

Asked if his newest heavyweight has the ability, first up, to surpass his previous $800,000-a-year NRL contract, Rose suggested it was absolutely possible.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of money in heavyweight boxing,” he said. “Especially when the demand is there from people wanting to watch you fight.

“So if Nelson can finish opponents, and finish them quickly, his aura grows, his fan base grows.

“And it also means he can then back up quickly.

“So right now, it’s all about Nelson delivering on what that size says he is capable of.”

And as for Rose’s thoughts on the man opposing NAS on debut, former St George Illawarra prop Latimore?

“Well, I actually can’t believe just how confident the GOAT is,” he laughed. “And I need to know why.

“Of course, Jeremy isn’t telling me anything.

“So the only way I’m going to find out is by watching him fight next week.

“But the GOAT is honestly the most confident I’ve ever seen anyone coming into a fight.

“Especially when it looks like he should be out-gunned, even on size alone.

“Yet Jeremy seems convinced he is going to punch holes in Nelson.”