Nelson Asofa-Solomona has explained his decision to rush a fan and threaten to punch them immediately after his brutal KO win against Paul Gallen, suggesting the punter threw a projectile at him and was also making an ape gesture.
Speaking backstage after finishing Gallen with a flurry of brutal uppercuts against the ropes, the fighter dubbed ‘Big Nasty’ stressed that while he wished the incident hadn’t happened, he quickly added: “I don’t tolerate that bulls***”.
NAS also revealed the reason he had been “teary-eyed” in Gallen’s dressing room when they first caught up backstage, and after having effectively become the first man to knock the longtime Australian crossover star out.
The 140kg enforcer also explained his decision to call out Englishman Tommy Fury, and potentially headline a boxing card on the same weekend as the 2027 NRL season opener in Las Vegas.
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Asked about the chaos that saw him, after initially celebrating up on the ring ropes, then rush from the ring and confront a fan after his win, Asofa-Solomona said: “I looked into the crowd and someone was doing an ape gesture.
“I saw it (while up) on the ropes.
“It looked like someone threw something at me, and I just lost it.
“And like I said, if I could have my time back, I would because that’s not on.
“But what that guy did to me in terms of that gesture, it’s not on either.”
NAS launches into crowd after HORROR KO | 00:50
Was it adrenaline that caused him to act like he did?
“I think it’s a mix of everything,” the fighter continued. “I think that you know the adrenaline, but also, I don’t tolerate that bulls***.
“So once I saw it, I just saw red.
“But if I could have my time back, I wouldn’t do that again.”
Asked by Fox Sports Australia if he did pull his punch at the last minute, rather than strike at the fan – as it appeared in real time – NAS admitted he wasn’t sure.
“I need to watch the replay,” he said. “I don’t know. In the heat of the moment, you just don’t know.”
His team then told him he had, in fact, not thrown a punch.
NAS also admitted to being emotional after the devastating win over Gallen.
“Yeah, it’s pretty emotional,” he said. “With the build-up and stuff, words were said and, yeah, he’s the crossover heavyweight king.
“I remember watching him as a young kid, growing up … even when I was playing and we’re playing against each other, I admired what he did because it’s not a road that everyone walks.
NAS v Gallen: Full Fight Highlights | 07:47
“It’s a scary one.
“Because you get a lot of your ego from footy.
“And you have this character you want to uphold. And when you step into the ring, you just feel a bit naked in there.”
NAS also explained why he went and saw Gallen after the fight.
“Just had a chat with him,” he revealed. “Said it’s a real honour to step into the ring with you, regardless of the build-up and stuff like that.
“I just wished him all the best.”
Asofa-Solomona admitted he was concerned for Gallen given the way he finished him.
“Yeah, I was. I was for sure,” he said.
“And once things sort of settled down, it sort of hit me, what just happened. And anyone knows who’s been put in that position – when things get heated – things can turn for the worst.
“But no, I’m just happy I got the win.”
Asked how Gallen was backstage, he continued: “I think he was more taken aback about how I reacted when I came into the room.
“I was a bit emotional.
“I’ve seen this guy box and make the transition – he was a crossover heavyweight king for such a long time, and I admire him regardless of the build up.
“And then I got a bit teary-eyed because I was just like, because it’s honestly a true honour. I keep on saying ‘honour’, but it really was.
“And he was just saying, ‘mate, if I could’ve done it to you, I would have’.
“He was just saying, ‘mate, be happy, be happy’.
“I don’t know. It’s a weird feeling.
“I can’t really explain it, but I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
NAS delivers brutal KO to Gallen | 02:20
So as for what is next?
“Maybe Las Vegas,” he grinned. “Bring Tommy Fury over there.
“I think that’s a great opportunity there.
“My last fight, (the Fury option) was brought up when he was fighting Eddie Hall. They said that there could be potential there.
“(Laughs) But he has no idea who I am to be honest.”
And why Fury?
“Why not? Just throw it out there. He’s a big name. Maybe he wants a holiday here in Australia, and he can bring his partner and his beautiful family.”
Asked what he was thinking during the finish, NAS continued: “I just remember staying calm, breathing.
“And just making sure I got back to the thing that got me there, which is the jab.
“I landed a right hand, and I think those uppercuts came through. And they landed.
“It’s testament to the hard work I’ve put in. To the hard work that Team Ellis has invested in me over the course of this year.
“Like people need to remember, this is my first year of boxing.
“And you know I showed tonight that Big Nasty is here to stay … hopefully everyone was entertained.”
And as for what sort of statement you made?
“Oh man, I’m just beginning, bro,” he added. “I’m just starting. I’m still a baby in this game, and there’s so much room for improvement.
“That’s the scary thing.”
Asofa-Solomona also said his next plan is to go and watch the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury blockbuster in December.
The NRL premiership hero said he was looking forward to watching Aussie Jai Opetaia fight Deontay Wilder in the co-main, and could also call out Tommy Fury if he’s there to watch his brother.