Nelson Asofa-Solomona says he doesn’t care whether Paul Gallen is taking performance-enhancing drugs – because he reckons nothing will help the former Sharks captain when they throw down on Friday night.
The warring heavyweights came face-to-face during a Sydney Harbour cruise organised by promoters No Limit on Monday, with Asofa-Solomona delivering an extraordinary taunt ahead of their November 6 showdown.
Gallen v Asofa-Solomona | Friday November 6 from 7pm AEDT | Australian sporting icon and crossover boxing king Paul Gallen returns to the ring to face his biggest opponent yet, Nelson ‘Big Nasty’ Asofa-Solomona. | Order now on Kayo Sports.
The former Melbourne Storm enforcer claimed there had been no drug testing during the build-up to the fight, before declaring he wasn’t concerned about what his rival might be doing.
“There hasn’t been any drug testing in the process of this fight,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“Ultimately, that’s why I have avoided the topic.
“I do not care if he is taking something or has taken something in the past.
“I actually recommend he jumps on something. It’s not going to help him at the end of the day.”
It was a pointed shot at Gallen, whose rugby league career included a backdated suspension over his involvement in Cronulla’s 2011 supplements program.
But while NAS is talking with plenty of confidence, he also revealed just how much is riding on the result.
According to the towering heavyweight, defeat would bring his own boxing career to an abrupt end under his agreement with No Limit.
“There is a contractual agreement with No Limit and myself that if I lose that’s it,” he said.
“But look, there’s no thought of losing in my head. Not in this world or any other.
“It’s pressure, but pressure makes diamonds.
“More pressure, the better…
“I come through the other end. I’ve done it plenty of times and I’ll do it again.”
“That is a f***ing dog! That is a rat!” | 09:33
First, he has to get through Gallen – and a fight week that threatens to become increasingly heated.
Over the last month Gallen has branded NAS a dog, a pig and a rat.
Asked whether the veteran had managed to get under his skin, Big Nasty suggested Gal was struggling to find ammo.
“He’s trying to throw a lot of stuff out there,” said NAS.
“He’s doing a bit of a Google search and there’s nothing on me. My nose is pretty clean.
“If you search up his stuff, there’s a lot there.
“I’m trying to keep it respectful but it might get a bit more heated as we head into the press conference on Wednesday.”
BOXING NEWS:
‘F***ing embarrassing’: Gallen’s brutal sledge over Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s infamous Bali brawl
‘Unfinished business’: US superstar cleared for Aussie card as Tszyu intrigue grows
“If I lose, that’s it”: NAS’ HUGE stakes | 09:14
A win over Gallen could open the door to a pursuit of the Australian heavyweight title, something NAS has already discussed with his coach.
For now, though, he says that conversation can wait.
“Me and my coach have spoken about the Australian title, but that’s a long way away,” he said.
“But my sight hasn’t come off Paul Gallen.”