Exiled NRL player Curtis Scott knocks out Joey Leilua after ugly war-of-words

Exiled NRL player Curtis Scott has delivered a devastating knockout to former rival Joey Leilua after the pair shared an ugly lead-up to their boxing match. Scott and Leilua were fighting on the undercard of Aussie boxer Sam Goodman's headline clash with Mark Schleibs.

Goodman showed his title credentials having finished Schleibs in four rounds as he prepares for a shot at the title in the super bantamweight division. However, before Goodman showed his class, Scott and Leilua stepped into the ring after a war-of-words leading into the bout.

Leilua weighed into their heavyweight clash nearly 30kg more than Scott. But this didn't appear to frustrate the 26-year-old former Melbourne Storm centre who admitted he had sparred bigger man in preparation for the fight.

And only months after being denied a return to the NRL - due to an off-field assault charge against his former partner - Scott has turned his sights on a career in boxing having floored Leilua with a left-hand. Leilua came out firing in the first, but Scott looked the better boxer having landed the stronger jabs throughout the flurry.

Leilua appeared tired to start the second round and Scott took advantage after dodging an overhand right Scott landed a straight left and a quick right, before shrugging off his opponent to the ground. Leilua was dazed and unable to get up.

The duo shared an ugly war-of-words leading up to the bout with both taking digs at one another. But afterwards, Scott praised his opponent for the tough bout. “Could see his face starting to bust up. I split his nose open in the first round. He was bleeding, starting to taste his own blood and, yeah, I think he was looking for a way out," Scott said after the fight.

“But credit to Joey. I’ve played against him a few times, met him when I was in Canberra. He’s a really good person. He might come across a bit arrogant but he’s a great bloke. The ultimate competitor."

Curtis Scott calls out AFL Great Barry Hall

Scott was quick to turn his attention to his next fight and called out AFL hard-man Barry Hall. The former Swans star hasn't been in the ring since his devastating loss to Sonny Bill Williams in 2022. The 47-year-old had seemingly hung up the gloves since the bout, but Scott claimed he had heard whispers the former AFL great was keen for another fight.

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“I got tipped up that something could go ahead and he’s a big name,” Scott said of Hall. Scott added: "And I’ve heard whispers he wants to jump in again so that could happen. want to stay active. He’s a big name, it would be a nice one to get under the belt."

Scott attempted to return to the NRL in 2024, but was blocked after he was found guilty of three charges – assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and stalk or intimidate with the intention of causing fear or physical harm – against his ex-partner.

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