Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s opponent for the occasion of his first fight since his departure from National Rugby League will be fellow former NRL professional Jeremy Latimore.
They will fight on January 16 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia, on the undercard of the all-Australian grudge match between Michael Zerafa and Nikita Tszyu.
Latimore, 39, fought as a professional when in September 2024 he outpointed Alexander Ale over four rounds. His fellow Australian Asofa-Solomona fought and won in an exhibition against then-fellow NRL professional Jarrod Wallace in 2023; their heavyweight date in January represents his debut as a professional boxer.
“For me, I just see opportunity,” Latimore said. “I couldn’t wait to run towards it. I’ve always backed myself, and when the Rose boys [of promoters No Limit] finally reached out, I couldn’t say ‘Yes’ quick enough.
“I’m under no illusions about his power. I respect that, but timing matters in this sport and he’s early in his boxing journey. I’ve been training properly for a few years now. I’ve been in there by myself already and I know what the lights feel like.
“It’s not my first rodeo, and I’m ready for it. I’m not sure he will be. With the three-minute rounds, I reckon he’ll have concrete boots pretty quick.
“Plenty of people think I’m crazy but I’ve always backed myself. On January 16, I prove people wrong again. It can’t come quick enough.”
George Rose of No Limit is another former NRL professional, and he said: “This is a seriously exciting fight and that’s exactly why it belongs on the biggest card we’ve put together in the last decade.
“Nelson brings a physicality and raw power we have yet to see from a heavyweight from this side of the world. While Jeremy [Latimore] has the experience, belief and absolutely no fear.
“When we put the call out, we weren’t looking for someone to make up the numbers. We wanted someone who genuinely believed they could win. Jeremy didn’t hesitate. He’s been asking me to get him a fight for years. He’s a real fighter and he’s got balls, I’ll give him that.
“This card is stacked from top to bottom, and this fight fits it perfectly. It’s high-risk, high-reward for both. It’s the kind of matchup fans remember, and the buildup to this one is going to be great.”
Before Zerafa and Tszyu make their way to the ring for the 157lbs catchweight contest, Liam Paro and Paddy Donovan fight in a final eliminator for the IBF welterweight title held by Lewis Crocker.
