George Burgess has credited Hollywood’s Russell Crowe for helping him land a fight against new crossover king Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and while also revealing how he has previously worked with the likes of Jeff Fenech and Danny Green.
Tszyu vs Nurja | Sunday 5 April from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu looks to continue his boxing resurgence as he takes on Albanian Denis Nurja. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
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Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, the South Sydney premiership hero also confirmed he and promoters No Limit have already signed off of a deal that sees him to get next shot at Asofa-Solomona, so long as ‘Big Nasty’ wins his Easter Sunday bout against Jarrod Wallace.
Burgess added that if NAS beats Wallace today, the pair will almost certainly throw down on Nikita Tszyu’s upcoming headliner against exciting, young Spaniard Oscar Diaz – with early May the expected date.
However, the declaration comes as Wallace has vowed to play spoiler to everyone’s plans and upset Asofa-Solomona inside Wollongong Entertainment Centre.
In fact, while the former Melbourne Storm prop made fun of his rival’s weight during Saturday weigh-ins, Wallace stressed those extra kegs are crucial – pointing out how he is almost 10kg heavier than when stopped in their first bout, an exhibition, in 2023.
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As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia in January, Burgess is readying to enter the crossover boxing space for a shot at No Limit’s hyped new heavyweight signing.
Since retiring, the former Rabbitoh has also taken up acting and, most recently, has been involved in a new Australian MMA film – ‘Beast’ – which is co-written by and starring Crowe.
Other actors involved include Daniel McPherson, Luke Hemsworth, and Amy Shark.
Speaking this week, Burgess explained how, as part of filming for said flick, the crew jetted across to Asia and filmed scenes on the same night of a One Championship bout in Bangkok.
“So we got to experience walking out with the full crowd,” the former leaguie explained. “Same as we also did filming between bouts on the card, which really gave me the push to have a fight.
“Just feeling all the energy that comes with being part of a fight night, it was great.
“And even though it’s a movie, it felt real for me. Really got the juices flowing.”
Burgess also revealed he has previously trained with both Fenech and Green.
“I was also supposed to fight Barry Hall six years ago,” he continued. “But I turned it down.
“I was only going to have four weeks to prepare, and had also just signed with Wigan.
“So I didn’t want to disrespect them by signing for a fight when I should be at pre-season training over there.
“So I turned it down and Paul Gallen took the fight instead …”
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Burgess was a surprise guest at Friday’s weigh-ins and confirmed he already has a deal in place to fight NAS should he beat Wallace a second time.
“I mean, I don’t think I’d be here otherwise,” he told Fox Sports Australia with a smile.
So as for his thoughts on the former Stormer?
“It’s hard to judge him off half a round against Jeremy Latimore,” he shrugged of the former NRL enforcer’s January debut, a first round KO.
“But he’s a big athletic guy.
“And I’m sure he is going to improve with every fight.
“So if he can get through Sunday unscathed, we can get the fight on.”
Asked about appearing on the proposed Nikita Tszyu card, he added: “That’s the date we’re eyeing off, early May”.
But before all that, Asofa-Solomona must first get past Wallace.
Tszyu vs Nurja | Sunday 5 April from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu looks to continue his boxing resurgence as he takes on Albanian Denis Nurja. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
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“And I really do believe he’s got flaws,” the former Origin prop told us after hitting the scales on Saturday.
“For a start, he’s always looking for that highlight reel finish.
“So there are times where his hands are down.
“He’s clunky, too.
“He’s come straight out of footy and, now as a professional, only had the one fight. So it’s not like I’m fighting someone with a heap of experience who is really crisp.
“And given he is a big boy, it’s not like he’s bouncing around the ring, either.
“So there are plenty of flaws there and I’ll be looking to find them quickly. Because when you’ve only got four rounds, that time goes quickly when you’re in the ring.”
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Wallace also explained that after initially dropping 16kg for this fight, he then put five back on to ensure he can compete with a rival who tipped the scales at 134kg.
“First time we fought, I was 110kg,” Wallace recalled. “And that was too light.
“So after dropping some weight early on, I’ve now spent the past few weeks putting some back on but while still eating really keen.
“And that bit of extra weight is definitely going to help me. But also while still being able to bounce around a bit in there.
“And don’t get me wrong, I’ve definitely got respect for Nelson.
“He’s big, powerful, but I have game plan and I know if I stick to it I can win.
“Because he hasn’t had a challenge yet.
“At the moment it’s all about highlight reels.
“He fought Latsy (Jeremy Latimore) and I love that man to death.
“But he’s a lover not a fighter.
“So the guy hasn’t been challenged yet.
“And when he’s getting punched in the face, fighting big boys who can actually fight we’ll see how good he is then.”
