Police are investigating a wild post-fight altercation involving former NRL star Nelson Asofa-Solomona and a spectator, as Paul Gallen reassured everyone he was “safe and sound” following his sickening knockout defeat in the NSW government-sponsored bout.
On Saturday, Gallen declared “you live by the sword, you die by the sword” after Asofa-Solomona landed a series of unanswered right hands – including at least one that connected after he appeared knocked out and on the ropes – that left him on the canvas for several minutes.
The former NSW skipper eventually recovered sufficiently to congratulate Asofa-Solomona on the victory, but was rushed to hospital on Friday night.
There were wild scenes immediately after the fight after the former Melbourne Storm forward leapt out of the ring to confront a spectator. Asofa-Solomona pulled his punch at the critical moment, later claiming his actions were prompted by a racial slur.
A NSW Police spokesman confirmed the events that occurred outside the ring following the bout were under investigation.
Officers on the scene at the time had spoken to the spectator involved, while Asofa-Solomona was escorted from the venue by organising officials.
Gallen was keen to allay concerns about his health on Saturday, saying he wasn’t feeling concussive symptoms.
“I’m all right. What do you do? I knew the dangers of the game,” Gallen told this masthead.
“I’m fine. The kids are healthy, I’m healthy. I got paid … I slept fine, gotten up, I’ve eaten. I don’t have a headache, I’m talking ok.
“I don’t really have black eyes, a little bit under the eyelid is a bit black on the left one where he got me with that first right hand.”
A spokesperson for the bout promoter, No Limit, declined to comment.
The Combat Sports Authority of NSW, which regulates the safe conduct of combat sports across the state, had jurisdiction over the bout and has also been approached for comment.
Gallen earned an estimated seven-figure pay cheque for what he confirmed would be the last fight of his career. Asked if the money was worth it - considering the punishment he endured - the former footballer said: “Yeah mate, because I like the sport. It’s what I do.
“I’ve had 20 fights. I’m 45 and you get beaten like that last night and it’s easy to think about it now, ‘Is it really worth it?’.
“I was there, I knew the dangers, I knew what was going on. I prepared well, I was in a good space. With 15 seconds to go, I was winning the round, I felt sweet and then all of a sudden ‘bang’. I don’t regret it. I’ve done it now, I can’t change it. I’m fine.”
The event was supported by the state government through its tourism agency Destination NSW as part of its “Feel New in Sydney” campaign.
The campaign invites Australians to connect with the city in ways that “spark new emotions and lasting memories”.
Asofa-Solomona apologised for shaping up to a spectator. “I looked into the crowd, and someone was making an ape gesture,” he said.
“I stood on the ropes, and it looked like someone threw something at me, so I just lost my temper. As I said, if I could have my time back, I would handle it differently because that behaviour isn’t acceptable. At the same time, what that person did with that gesture isn’t acceptable either.
“I think it was a mix of everything. The adrenaline was there, but I also don’t tolerate that kind of nonsense. Once I saw it, I just saw red. But like I said, if I could do it over, I wouldn’t do that again.”
Gallen, 45, said he would honour a “pinkie-promise” he made to his eight-year-old daughter before the fight that it would be his last. His pugilistic career ends with a record of 16 wins, one draw and three losses.
It ends a storied sporting career that also includes making 348 appearances for the Cronulla Sharks, 32 Tests for Australia and 24 State of Origin matches for NSW.
“It’s been crazy,” Gallen said. “I left school and signed with Cronulla in 1999 and retired last night on November 6, 2026.
“It’s been ridiculous, to be able to have done what I’ve done, I’m so happy. Life is about the kids now and the family. I’ve provided for them, that’s my job, I can just enjoy it now.”
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