After exchanging some words, the 30-year-old former Melbourne Storm prop made a beeline for the audience and took a swing, though appeared to pull the punch – which the crowd member quickly backed out of range of.
Fox Sports reported the boxer alleged that the crowd member made an ape gesture.
Asofa-Solomona was quick to apologise for his actions, taking the opportunity to do so in his post-fight interview.
“I just want to apologise for what I did, I acted like a bloody idiot,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I just got in a bit of the heat of the moment. I hope you guys can understand, it’s been a big build-up and I should not behave like that, I’m sorry.”
Asofa-Solomona added that it was an honour to step in the ring against Gallen – the “crossover heavyweight king” – who had previously fended off every fellow code-hopper including wins over Sonny Bill Williams, Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant, and a draw with Barry Hall.
The two-time NRL grand final winner then turned his attention to his next target – calling out former Love Island contestant and undefeated boxer Tommy Fury, who has spent his career down a weight class at cruiserweight. Fury, who holds an 11-0 record, had his most recent professional bout in May 2025, but fought an exhibition earlier this year.
“Big Nasty is here to stay. If we can make this next fight work I would love it – Tommy Fury over in the UK.”