For Paul Gallen, it was one fight too many.
The crossover great’s 20th entry into the ring was a terrifying one, with the first-round knockout inflicted by the younger, bigger and more powerful Nelson Asofa-Solomona rocking Sydney’s TikTok Entertainment Centre to its foundations.
Watch every ball of Australia vs England T20 & ODI series Live & ad-break free during play on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports. Begins Friday November 13 | Don’t miss the Summer of the Century. Get 50% off Kayo Premium for 4 months. Min cost $23 for 1 month. New & returning customers only. Offer ends 30 Nov 2026. Sign up today.
The initial concern was chiefly for Gallen, with the 45-year-old left in a bad way by a brutal series of right hands from the former Melbourne Storm enforcer.
But once the Cronulla premiership hero regained his feet, the overwhelming emotion was relief – even if the crushing defeat makes for an ugly way to end a remarkable sporting journey across more than two decades of first rugby league, and then boxing.
“I always had the feeling he needs something like this, a devastating knockout, to finally put him out of his misery – and I say that with positivity,” Fox League and Main Event commentator Dan Ginnane said.
I kind of feel relieved for him that this is going to be the end.”
NAS v Gallen: Full Fight Highlights | 07:47
MORE FROM GAL v NAS
‘SICKENING’: NAS’ ‘nightmare’ blow ends Gal’s career
‘A DISGRACE’: Ugly crowd clash overshadows farewell blockbuster
‘FROM ANOTHER PLANET’: Rising Aussie’s blockbuster US debut confirmed
The brutal end to the fight, which Ginnane later dubbed as “Ivan Drago vs Rocky”, was unwanted vindication for those who feared the 45-year-old’s decision to take on the 30-year-old giant, some 33 kilograms heavier at the weigh-in, was biting off more than he could chew.
But for close friend and 2016 premiership teammate Mick Ennis, those fears emerged immediately before the fight, when the height difference between the 201cm Asofa-Solomona and 179cm Gallen was laid bare in the starkest terms.
“I know the warrior inside Gal and I love that. The resilience and the inner belief has been unrivalled in Australian sport,” Ennis said.
“But tonight, when Nelson came out … I had a real reality check with the size difference.
“It was really hard to watch … it was terrifying.”
Gallen, whose first professional fight came against Herman Ene-Purcell in February 2014, while still at the height of his NRL career, bows out with a 16-3-1 record.
His achievements, highlighted by remarkable wins over Mark Hunt in December 2020 and Lucas Browne a few months later, are enough to rank him only behind Anthony Mundine as arguably Australia’s second-greatest ever crossover boxer.
But scenes after the fight, with Gallen greeted by 13-year-old son Kody, mean so much more.
“The thing with Gal is he loves a challenge and he can’t say no, he can’t just walk away,” Ennis said.
“For me, the whole career goes out the window in a moment like this – it’s just a friendship.
“I was scared, mate, to be honest, and I’m just happy to see him with Kody and his team.”
“Even though it ends on the canvas, it’s a hell of a career.” Ginnane added.
Rugby league journalist Peter Badel also paid tribute, saying the always polarising NRL great had “won some hearts through his boxing journey.
“Unbelievable career, not only as a rugby league player but as a boxer,” he said.
“20 fights, 16 wins, beat Lucas Browne, a former world champion, unbelievable. Beat Mark Hunt, had some massive scalps.
“Sometimes he’s too tough for his own good, Gal. We always knew that he’d go out on his shield, and he went out on his shield in a sickening way tonight.
“But he should be so proud of what he’s done over 20 years in professional sport.
“Gal, you are a legend, you’re a warrior.”
And perhaps most importantly …
“His wife (Anne) will now be a very happy lady,” Badel added.