NRL convert Anthony Mundine believes Tevita Pangai Junior can emulate his profitable transition to the boxing ring if he can overcome one main weak spot
NRL convert Anthony Mundine believes Tevita Pangai Junior can emulate his profitable transition to the boxing ring if he can overcome one main weak spot
- Anthony Mundine adamant Tevita Pangai Junior could make it as a boxer
- Pangai Junior has walked away from the NRL aged simply 27
- Will battle on October 7 ‘Battle on the Reef’ undercard in Townsville
- NRL stars Junior Paulo and Nelson Asofa-Solomona additionally to enter the ring
Former NRL star turned world boxing champion Anthony Mundine is assured Tevita Pangai Junior can carve out a profitable profession within the ring – offered he overcomes one important impediment.
Talking forward of the Battle on The Reef battle night time card in Townsville on October 7 – the place the Bulldogs enforcer will battle a but to be named opponent – Mundine acknowledged Pangai might want to hit the bottom working as he lacks an novice pedigree.
Different fighters on the cardboard embody fellow footy stars Junior Paulo (Eels), Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm) in addition to retired greats Justin Hodges and Matt Cooper, who will sq. off towards each other.
‘He has ardour for the game, identical to I did once I left the NRL in 2000,’ Mundine mentioned from the Bondi Boxing Membership in Waterloo.
‘I’ve nothing however help for him… my recommendation to Tevita is to be devoted, disciplined and be ready to make sacrifices.
Anthony Mundine (pictured left) is assured Tevita Pangai Junior can carve out a profitable profession within the ring – offered he can overcome one important impediment
Pangai is unbeaten in his two earlier bouts, however does not have an in depth novice pedigree
‘He must keep away from ladies, [drinking] alcohol and dream large.
Watch all of the motion from the Battle on the Reef dwell and unique on Stan Pay-Per-View.
‘Reaching in a person sport is not simple, you should be a gladiator. ‘He’s a mild large, it’s as much as Tevita to seek out his killer intuition.’
Pangai Junior has walked away from a $750,000 contract at Belmore, which Mundine felt was admirable.
After labelling himself the ‘greatest athlete of all time’, the retired orthodox fighter burdened Pangai Junior combating within the heavyweight division may very well be difficult.
‘One shot may be essential,’ he mentioned. ‘It’s why Tevita should be taught on the job – and rapidly.’
Pangai, 27, is not a novice with the gloves, having fun with a 2-0 file within the ring.
He beat Gerico Cecil by technical knockout in December of 2021 after which knocked out Jerry Tupai final December.
Mundine stop the NRL in 2000, and regardless of his many detractors, loved a embellished boxing profession
Mundine’s bouts towards the likes of Jeff Horn (left) and Danny Inexperienced attracted enormous viewership throughout Australia
A Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders junior, Pangai made his NRL debut in 2016 with the Broncos, and in addition had stints with the Panthers (2021) and Bulldogs (2022-2023).
Canterbury soccer boss Phil Gould mentioned the membership was absolutely supportive of Pangai selecting a brand new sporting path.
‘He is not the primary participant to lose ardour for the game,’ he mentioned on Channel 9’s 100% Footy.
‘There are lots of gamers that play this sport as a result of they’re good at it….however [sometimes] you query whether or not or not it’s actually the factor they love to do.’
World title prospect Paulo Aokuso (5-0, 3KO) will headline the battle night time in Townsville.
Watch all of the motion from the Battle on the Reef dwell and unique on Stan Pay-Per-View.
