Melbourne Storm powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona appears ready to trade his rugby league boots for boxing gloves, chasing the lucrative opportunities that have turned former NRL stars into multimillionaires. Reports indicate the 29-year-old enforcer is on the verge of leaving rugby league behind to pursue a professional boxing career that could eclipse the financial rewards offered in the NRL or the breakaway R360 competition.
Nobody can fault Asofa-Solomona wanting to add more digits to his bank account. Anthony Mundine and Paul Gallen have been the most successful NRL stars to crossover to boxing, proving that the transition can be financially transformative. Gallen reportedly grossed $25 million across his boxing career, setting a high benchmark for the Storm prop to emulate.
Asofa-Solomona was granted a release from the final two years of his contract at the end of this year, a decision that has fueled speculation about his next move. He had been linked to R360, a breakaway rugby competition, but several NRL clubs had also reportedly been interested in signing the towering prop. Standing 200cm tall and weighing 115kg, he possesses the physical attributes that make him a formidable competitor in both the rugby league and boxing arenas.
According to reports, Asofa-Solomona is most likely to join Australia’s premier boxing stable, No Limit, in what appears to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Wide World of Sports has reached out to No Limit for comment regarding these developments. If the reports are accurate, No Limit would have the opportunity to replicate the same blueprint that turned Gallen into a boxing sensation, while Asofa-Solomona stands to earn considerably more than he could in either the NRL or R360.
All the ingredients appear to be in place for a successful transition. Like Gallen, Asofa-Solomona would compete in the heavyweight division—a factor that promoters can leverage when marketing events. His presence in the public eye, both inside and outside the ring, provides a significant promotional advantage. Fans have already witnessed his fighting prowess firsthand. In 2023, Asofa-Solomona scored a knockout win over fellow NRL forward Jarrod Wallace. He was also caught on camera throwing some memorable punches during the infamous 2019 Bali brawl, reportedly stepping in to defend Storm teammate Suliasi Vunivalu, who was attacked inside a bar.
While Asofa-Solomona may not yet be a household name like Gallen, he still carries substantial drawing power with NRL fans. His matches would likely attract significant attention, particularly from rugby league enthusiasts curious to see one of their stars transition to the boxing ring. As with most fighters, the length and success of his career will depend on careful matchmaking and how far he and his promoters want to take his boxing journey.
Anthony Mundine is a prime example of a successful early transition, stepping into boxing full-time at 25. Gallen, on the other hand, began his professional boxing career at 33 while still playing in the NRL, demonstrating that age and previous sporting commitments need not hinder success in the ring. At 29, Asofa-Solomona is at an ideal stage to pursue a high-earning venture in boxing. Strategic pacing in his matches could maximize his earnings potential, ensuring long-term financial benefits from his efforts.
Industry reports suggest that Asofa-Solomona could earn around $1 million per year from boxing, with early discussions already hinting at a potential matchup against another prominent NRL big man. This represents a significant step up from his existing contract with Melbourne Storm, which paid him nearly $850,000 per season. While the exact figures may not reach Gallen or Mundine-level earnings, they still promise a comfortable and lucrative career path for the ex-Storm prop.
For Asofa-Solomona, this move represents more than just money. It is an opportunity to build a legacy beyond the rugby league field and leverage his athletic talent in a new arena. Boxing offers him the chance to test himself against new challenges while capitalizing on his fame and physical presence. The heavyweight division, in particular, offers a spectacle that draws attention and revenue, making him an attractive prospect for promoters.
The transition from NRL to boxing is not without risks, of course. Injuries, matchmaking missteps, and public scrutiny all have the potential to impact earnings and career longevity. However, with careful planning and the right management, Asofa-Solomona could carve out a niche for himself in Australian boxing, echoing the success stories of those who have gone before him.
In sum, Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s reported decision to step into the boxing ring is a calculated move aimed at financial security, personal challenge, and sporting legacy. Following the footsteps of Gallen and Mundine, he has the tools and public recognition necessary to make a significant impact. Fans of both rugby league and boxing will be watching closely as the story unfolds, eager to see if the Melbourne Storm enforcer can translate his formidable league skills into a successful and profitable boxing career.
