Burgess flogged before ex-NRL stars deliver touching Arrow tribute
Undefeated crossover boxing star Nelson Asofa-Solomona proved too strong for George Burgess in the latter’s pro boxing debut, with the retired Melbourne Storm enforcer putting a brutal end to the bout in the third round.
But it was both fighter’s touching tribute after the wildly entertaining fight towards fellow NRL player Jai Arrow - who last month revealed a diagnosis with motor neurone disease - that had the crowd on their feet.
Both fighters touched on fellow NRL player Jai Arrow's fight with MND after the fight. Getty
“I just want to use this time to acknowledge Jai Arrow,” NAS after the fight.
“He’s going through a real tough time, I’m pretty sure he was in both of our hearts during our camp.”
Asofa-Solomona then gathered his bloodied opponent into the centre of the ring to announce that both of their boxing shorts would be auctioned, with all proceeds going directly to Arrow and FightMND.
Burgess was also spotted donning a FightMND patch on his walk-out outfit.
“We’re out here fighting, but he’s fighting a bigger fight than us,” Burgess said.
“We’re all behind him. We’ve got to stop this disease ... it’s terrible.”
Burgess’ father suffered from MND when he and his brothers were growing up, before passing away when George was a teenager.
The former Rabbitohs star had some nice moments early in the fight, but looked to be in real trouble at the end of the first round.
Mid-way through the third round, after Burgess started to pour blood from his cheek, his corner decided to throw in the towel.
NAS actually managed to catch the towel and helped wipe blood from Burgess’ face in a classy show of respect after plenty of trash talk leading in.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona stops George Burgess in the third round. Kayo Sports
