Ex-NRL star Jarrod Wallace may have landed the first blow on rival Nelson Asofa-Solomona ahead of their Easter Sunday boxing showdown.
The former rugby league enforcers will face off in Wollongong on the undercard of Tim Tszyu’s WBO world title bout against undefeated Middleweight Denis Nurja.
Despite being the underdog in his pro debut against Asofa-Solomona, Wallace was adamant he could get the better of the bigger man and showed his confidence with a cheeky dig at the former Storm heavyweight’s exit from the Melbourne club.
“He is big, he’s powerful, I’ve got respect for him, but there are plenty of flaws,” Wallace said.
“Craig Bellamy has seen it and that’s why they sacked him.”
When probed for a response, a smiling Asofa-Solomona gave “no comment”.
Wallace and Asofa-Solomona have traded leather before during an exhibition bout in late 2023.
On that occasion, Wallace’s corner threw in the towel when Asofa-Solomona put him on the canvas with a thudding uppercut and glancing right hand.
After exiting the Melbourne Storm at the end of last season, dual premiership winner Asofa-Solomona took up boxing full-time, kicking off his new career with a knock out win over ex-Dragons forward Jeremy Latimore.
“It’s going to be a demolition job,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I really feel once he feels that 10 ounce glove he is going to get the shock of his life.
“I guarantee it’s going to be a highlight reel finish.”
Undeterred by his prior defeat at the hands of Asofa-Solomona, Wallace promised to take his opponent into deep waters while declaring himself as the fan favourite.
“I think everyone would love to see me go in and knock him out,” Wallace said.
“I’m going to get him in deep waters, get him in deep rounds and throw.
“We’re just going to throw bombs at each other.
“That’s what everyone wants to see and that’s what heavyweights do.”
Also on the card, Aussie super bantamweight Sam Goodman will seek a win over Rodrigo Ruiz in a IBF World Title eliminator; and Tokyo Olympian Paulo Aokuso is fighting for his tenth win as a pro against Kittipong Jian Hao Ho.
