Sports
Former NRL Players Curtis Scott and Joey Leilua Clash in Explosive Boxing Face-Off Ahead of Heavyweight Debut
Australian boxing legend Johnny Lewis has thrown his weight behind Curtis Scott‘s unexpected foray into the heavyweight division, as the former NRL player gears up to make his boxing debut against fellow league star Joey Leilua. The explosive showdown is set to kick off on Wednesday night in Wollongong under the banner of No Limit‘s 2024 Pay-Per-View opener.
The face-off between Scott and Leilua took a contentious turn, with Scott accusing his opponent of lackluster performances during his time with the NRL, labeling him as “an embarrassment.” Scott claimed Leilua had a history of quitting in games and dodging challenges, igniting a heated exchange during the Main Event ‘Face Off’ interview.
Leilua, on the other hand, pushed back against Scott’s accusations, asserting that he did not even recall their encounters on the field, focusing instead on his clashes with legendary players like Cameron Smith. The verbal sparring continued as Scott alleged Leilua’s tendency to walk off the field or even leave training sessions altogether when faced with tough situations, a claim Leilua vehemently denied.
With the weight difference between the fighters expected to be significant, Scott revealed that he would campaign at cruiserweight after the bout, eyeing the Australian title currently held by undefeated fighter Luke Modini. Despite the weight gap, Scott’s corner boasts a wealth of experience, with the likes of Lewis and UFC coach Brian Doyle offering guidance during his transition to boxing.
During the intense Face Off program hosted by Niko Pajarillo, the exchange between the former NRL adversaries intensified, with Scott targeting Leilua’s career choices and performances, while Leilua defended his reputation and commitment on the field. The animosity between the fighters set the stage for a high-stakes debut in the boxing ring.
Scott’s journey from NRL exile to boxing hopeful represents a significant shift in his athletic career, with the controversial player undergoing a transformation to pursue a new path in the combat sports arena. As the anticipation builds for their clash, fans eagerly await the outcome of the Scott-Leilua bout, which promises to be a riveting spectacle of talent, experience, and determination.