<h2>Nelson Asofa-Solomona Set for Boxing Debut This Weekend After Melbourne Storm Exit – Three Round News Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Former Melbourne Storm prop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/boxing/grade-c-fights/nelson-asofa-solomona-v-jeremy-latimore-10044825">Nelson Asofa-Solomona makes his professional boxing debut against Jeremy Latimore</a> on January 16.</p> <p>- &nbsp; The 29-year-old walked away from a reported $850,000+ contract with Melbourne Storm to pursue a boxing career.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Asofa-Solomona cited rugby league "losing its fabric" and gravitating towards boxing's "gladiatorial" nature as motivation for the switch.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>From Storm to the Ring: A Career Transformation</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The towering former Melbourne Storm prop has turned his back on rugby league after 215 NRL games, walking away from a lucrative contract reportedly worth over $850,000.</p> <p>Asofa-Solomona's boxing debut comes on the undercard of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/boxing/predictions/tszyu-vs-zerafa-preview-2026">Nikita Tszyu vs Michael Zerafa</a>, where he'll face former rugby rival Jeremy Latimore in what promises to be an intriguing crossover bout.</p> <p>The 29-year-old's transition represents one of the most significant rugby league-to-boxing switches in recent memory, following in the footsteps of Paul Gallen, who reportedly earned $25 million across 19 boxing appearances.</p> <p>Asofa-Solomona's decision stems from his disillusionment with rugby league's current direction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>"Rugby League Stopped Loving Me"</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking candidly about his career change, Asofa-Solomona revealed his growing disconnect with rugby league.</p> <p>"Rugby league stopped loving me. And while I do still love the game, I just think it's slowly losing its fabric. The game is losing its bones," he explained to Fox Sports.</p> <p>This sentiment drove his attraction to boxing, which he describes as maintaining its authentic competitive spirit. "That's why I gravitated to boxing – it's a gladiatorial sport. Boxing still has its bones and that will never change."</p> <p>The former Storm forward acknowledges the fundamental differences between team and individual sports, embracing the mental challenges boxing presents.</p> <p>"With boxing it's so much different than a team sport. You've got to back yourself; you've got to be confident," he noted.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Mental Warfare and Physical Power</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Asofa-Solomona's approach to his boxing debut reveals a strategic mindset focused on psychological advantage.</p> <p>He emphasises the mental aspects of combat sports, stating: "What I'm discovering in boxing is that you've got to have somewhat of a delusion — or be somewhat delusional."</p> <p>The former prop is confident in his physical attributes, particularly his power advantage over opponent Latimore. "I think the biggest thing is the mental warfare, and I'm sure he's going through a bit of it right now, knowing the power that I possess."</p> <p>His transformation mindset is already taking shape as fight night approaches. "I'm a big, gentle giant but as we get closer to fight night, I can feel the wheels turning a little bit. A bit of that warfare mindset is starting to get in my head and I think you'll see a different Nelson when I get to the ring."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Challenge Ahead</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Latimore enters the bout with a 1-0 professional record and Paul Gallen in his corner. Gallen's extensive boxing experience and success in the transition from rugby league provides valuable guidance for Latimore, setting up a compelling contest between two athletes following similar career paths.</p> <p>Asofa-Solomona remains focused on making an immediate impact, targeting a spectacular finish. "I'm looking for that highlight reel finish," he declared, signalling his intention to announce his arrival in professional boxing with authority.</p> <p>While the door remains open for a potential rugby league return, Asofa-Solomona's commitment to boxing appears resolute for the foreseeable future.</p>