Nelson Asofa-Solomona and George Burgess faced off after the ex-Storm star’s stunning KO debut over Jeremy Latimore on Friday night, suggesting promoters already have the former England forward next in line.
The former prop was impressive in his professional debut and never looked bothered, with his size and reach a real problem for the NRL journeyman.
While boxing traditionalists will point to Solomona having his guard down all fight and how that will not bode well against an experienced campaigner, his thundering uppercut was a perfect advertisement for fight fans to buy in next time.
READ MORE: Promoter quizzed on potential refunds after ‘absolute joke’
READ MORE: Fans, Tszyu brothers enraged as Zerafa bout ends in farce
READ MORE: Brutal KO, deadly gesture define NAS’ boxing debut
However, the way the big man moved around the ring and found his range consistently, was arguably more impressive.
No Limit is already in talks to have Asofa-Solomona take on the younger brother of Souths premiership winner Sam Burgess.
And it came as no surprise that George was in the crowd and that NAS found him as he made his way from the ring. Solomona was no doubt asking Burgess about comments he made earlier in the week, telling SEN he should “pick someone his own size” ahead of his debut.
“I saw George in the crowd and he said he’s keen, he wants it,” No Limit’s George Rose told Fox Sports.
NAS and Burgess in the crowd on Friday night. Instagram
“And he is a very big human.
“But when you see what Nelson just did, I wouldn’t be so quick to jump in the ring with him.
“But I’d love to make it happen.
“We’ll go through the negotiations with a few people are see where we land.
“But again, if you see what Nelson did in the ring tonight, I wouldn’t be rushing to do.
“But I’m glad people are.
“I’m glad there are people out there mad enough to think they can step in the ring with a guy like this.
“I’m happy to take on any interest.”
Nelson Asofa-Solomona lands the telling blow. No Limit Boxing
Burgess seems to be at the top of the list but it’s said North Queensland prop Matt Lodge, St George Illawarra great Matt Cooper and Curtis Scott are also seen as viable opponents.
No Limit would love nothing more than Paul Gallen to make a return but the former NSW captain has repeatedly said he’s finished.
“I got offered a boxing fight in 2019 against Barry Hall,” Burgess told SEN this week. “But I turned it down, didn’t have enough time to prep for it.
“But I’m thinking now the timing is right.
The Ko on debut. Getty
“And I’m thinking maybe Nelson needs to pick on someone his own size”.
He added: “I’ve done a fair bit of boxing in my rugby career and am training at the minute.
“So two big heavyweights going at each other.
“I think he weighed in at 133kg, I’ve got him covered by two kilos.
“So it would be a good match up.”