Sports
Nelson Asofa-Solomona knocks out Paul Gallen in round one before a wild crowd scene
Nelson Asofa-Solomona stopped Paul Gallen late in round one in Sydney then apologized after leaping toward a spectator he said made an ape gesture.
The crossover heavyweight clash ended in a hurry.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona knocked out Paul Gallen late in the opening round Friday night in Sydney leaving the 45-year-old former NRL star on the canvas for several minutes before he was taken to hospital.
Asofa-Solomona improved to 13-0 with his first professional knockout. Gallen fell to 18-3-1 in what was billed as his final fight.
Size and power decide it
The former Melbourne Storm forward was 15 years younger and about 33 kilograms heavier with a reach edge he used early. A late barrage of right hands and uppercuts ended it with seconds left in round one.
Asofa-Solomona later called out British boxer Tommy Fury and said he was worried for Gallen once the adrenaline faded.
Apology after leaping toward a fan
Moments after the stoppage Asofa-Solomona climbed out toward a spectator then pulled a roundhouse punch. He apologized and said someone in the crowd made an ape gesture and appeared to throw something.
"If I could have my time back I would handle it differently because that behavior isn't acceptable" he said. "At the same time what that person did with that gesture isn't acceptable either."
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