Boxing Match Preview: Jeremy Latimore (1-0-0, 0 KOs) vs. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (0-0-0, 0 KOs)
The upcoming boxing event spotlights a four-round heavyweight clash between Melbourne Storm rugby league star Nelson “Big Nelson” Asofa-Solomona (0-0, 0 KOs), making his professional debut, and former NRL journeyman Jeremy “The GOAT” Latimore (1-0, 0 KOs) as part of No Limit Boxing’s “Tszyu vs. Zerafa: No Limit On PPV” undercard. This matchup brings crossover appeal, pitting Asofa-Solomona’s raw power and size (6’7″, 250+ lbs) against Latimore’s boxing experience and cult-hero status from his rugby days, where he famously “sack-whacked” Cameron Smith in 2018. Promoted as a domestic spectacle, the bout highlights NRL retirees transitioning to the ring, with Asofa-Solomona vowing to “get nasty” in his pro bow. Below is a comprehensive breakdown for enthusiasts and bettors.
Venue Location
The event is hosted at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This 11,000-capacity arena in the Boondall suburb is a staple for No Limit Boxing events, offering an electric atmosphere with strong local support for Australian fighters.
Prelims kicking off at 5:00 PM AEST local time (6:00 AM GMT / 1:00 AM ET).
As an early undercard bout, the Asofa-Solomona-Latimore ring walks are anticipated around 6:00 PM AEST (7:00 AM GMT / 2:00 AM ET), subject to prior fights. The event streams via pay-per-view on No Limit Boxing platforms, including Main Event in Australia.
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter as of January 13, 2026.
Asofa-Solomona, who left the NRL in October 2025 after a decade with Melbourne Storm, has no documented setbacks from his rugby career or boxing training. Latimore, retired from NRL since 2019, appears fully fit following his 2024 boxing debut. Both have been active in promotions without health concerns. Note: The card’s Rahim Mundine vs. Geoff Matthews bout was canceled due to Mundine’s calf strain, but this does not impact the heavyweight matchup.
Fighter Matchups
This four-round heavyweight (over 200 lbs) bout is part of a 10-fight card blending NRL crossovers, title defenses, and prospect development.
Asofa-Solomona, a 29-year-old Kiwi-born giant (6’7″, 253 lbs), brings athleticism from 215 NRL games. Latimore, 39 (6’3″, 240 lbs), is a gritty veteran with one pro boxing win.
Recent Form
Nelson Asofa-Solomona: Entering his pro debut (0-0), Asofa-Solomona has limited boxing experience but won a 2023 exhibition via decision over NRL rival Jarrod Wallace.
He retired from NRL in October 2025 after a decade with Melbourne Storm, citing a desire to pursue boxing full-time. No recent pro bouts, but his athletic base (speed, power) from rugby suggests potential; he’s trained sporadically in boxing since 2023, focusing on “nasty” aggression for this debut.
Jeremy Latimore: At 1-0 with no KOs, Latimore won his pro debut on September 25, 2024, via unanimous decision (40-36 x3) over Alexander Ale in a four-rounder.
Prior, he won an April 2024 exhibition at a podcast event. A former NRL forward (191 games across multiple teams, retiring in 2019), Latimore’s form emphasizes durability and ring IQ over power, with his sole pro fight going the distance. He’s 1-0 in pro boxing, entering after a 16-month layoff.
Both are NRL alumni, but Asofa-Solomona’s youth (29 vs. 39) and size edge contrast Latimore’s boxing reps.
Fight History
This marks the first professional encounter between Asofa-Solomona and Latimore, with no prior sparring or shared history in boxing.
However, bad blood stems from NRL days: Latimore’s infamous 2018 “sack-whack” on Cameron Smith (Asofa-Solomona’s Storm teammate) has fueled trash talk, with Asofa-Solomona vowing revenge. Latimore dismisses it as “bullshit hype but plans to exploit Asofa-Solomona’s inexperience. Announced December 22, 2025, this NRL crossover adds spectacle to the undercard.
FIGHT ODDS
Jeremy Latimore + 325
Nelson Asofa-Solomona – 450
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 15, 2025
