Former NRL players Nelson Asofa-Solomona and George Burgess are gearing up to settle their long-standing rivalry in the boxing ring, with their fight officially scheduled for June 24.
Asofa-Solomona left the Melbourne Storm last year, wrapping up a notable 215-game career, while Burgess concluded his Rugby League journey in 2022 at St. George Illawarra Dragons after playing 149 games for South Sydney and eight in the Super League.
The matchup was revealed on Saturday during the NRL Magic Round, where tensions escalated as the two former athletes confronted each other during the announcement.
Asofa-Solomona expressed that he's still affected by an incident involving Burgess following his inaugural professional boxing win.
"I'd just had my first professional win, and was trying to celebrate with my family and my people.
"But George decided that was the moment to jump in, start carrying on and try to make the whole thing about himself.
"I took that personally. I haven't forgotten it, and he's going to have to answer for it now.
"He's been talking for months, questioning me, questioning who I've fought and acting like I'm some sort of fake."
"But once the bell rings ... this isn't a footy field, and this isn't Hollywood. There's nowhere to hide in there, and no one is coming to save you.