By JOSH ALSTON, SENIOR SPORT REPORTER, AUSTRALIA and DARREN WALTON FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
Footy fans and boxing purists have lashed the choice of opposition for former NRL firebrand Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s professional ring debut on Friday that barely lasted two minutes.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona wants to take out all-comers from the NRL ‘and go from there’ after making an explosive professional boxing debut against ex-rugby league journeyman Jeremy Latimore.
The super-sized Asofa-Solomona knocked out Latimore with a massive uppercut just two minutes, 22 seconds into the first round of Friday night’s heavyweight stoush in Brisbane.
Disillusioned after missing Melbourne’s past two grand final losses because of suspension, the two-time Storm premiership winner turned down a reported $800,000-a-season deal with Parramatta – one of Latimore’s five former clubs – to have a crack in the ring instead.
‘You can’t get sent off in boxing,’ he famously said after announcing his NRL defection in November.
Fighting on the undercard to Nikita Tszyu’s domestic blockbuster with Michael Zerafa, the so-called ‘Big Nasty’ proved an instant hit – even if he was not impressed himself.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona made short work of Jeremy Latimore, who retired from the NRL seven years ago
Asofa-Solomona wants to take on all challengers from the NRL ranks before expanding to the wider boxing world
And fans were quick to question how big a statement Asofa Solomona made in his debut considering his opposition.
‘What? By knocking out a 40 year old retired footy player who has never had a fight … get a grip,’ one posted.
‘Belted a guy twice his age and half his size,’ said another.
‘Let’s see how he goes against a half decent boxer not ex footy player … standing there doing nothing waiting for the big punch won’t do it,’ posted another.
Another fan declared the fight to be ‘farcical as farcical can be’.
The majority of boxing fans on social media have called on Asofa-Solomona to take on better opposition – and fighters beyond the NRL – to earn more credibility.
‘Bro’ fight a real boxer Buddy’ aye not these celebrity gimmick fights. Fight someone in the top 25 heavyweights in the world,’ one fan posted in a challenge to the former NRL star.
‘He knocked out Latts, no statement there haha. Any stay home dad could get off the lounge and do the same,’ posted another.
Plenty of footy and boxing fans were not impressed with the quality of Asofa-Solomona’s opposition
‘That’s what happens when you fight old men. The whole night was a farce,’ added yet another.
Latimore, 39, was giving away 10 years and 22 kilograms to the 133kg Asofa-Solomona – and the former Eels, Warriors, St George Illawarra, Penrith and Cronulla cult figure could not last a round.
‘Yeah, it feels great but I’m not happy with the performance, to be honest,’ Asofa-Solomona said.
‘I’m not happy with the way I was holding my stance and stuff like that. I was a bit loose.
‘But I just want to say credit to this man (Latimore) right here. A lot of people wouldn’t dare to jump in this ring.
‘So can we just give him a round of applause please everyone. Takes a lot of balls to get in.’
Retired former South Sydney enforcer George Burgess has already called out Asofa-Solomona, saying he was fit and primed to take on the New Zealand Test star.
‘I want to clean up the whole NRL division and then we go from there,’ Asofa-Solomona said when asked who his next target was.
Asofa-Solomona quit the NRL and the Melbourne Storm after becoming disillusioned with the sport
The controversial forward missed two grand finals through suspension before moving to boxing
‘Any NRL player can get it.’
Not ruling out a return to league, the 29-year-old has signed a multi-year deal with No Limit Boxing and is intent on honing his skills before making any big calls on his future in either sport.
‘It (my boxing debut) was a bit wild but, look, I’m just going to go back to the drawing board and just try and perfect everything in my game,’ he said.
‘Man, what a journey. We know we’ve got bigger and better things to come and (I’m) really excited for the future.’
Asked who his next target was, Asofa-Solomona said: ‘Any NRL player can get it’.
‘I want to clean up the whole NRL division and then we can go from there.’
