Another NRL star announces plan to box professionally – and he wants to punch on with a controversial former teammate
Another NRL star announces his plan to turn professional, and he wants to move on with a controversial former teammate
- Jason Saab wants to fight former Dragons teammate Zac Lomax
- The Manly star has been boxing for the past two years
- NSW star Tevita Pangai Jr is leaving the NRL to box professionally from next year
Male speedster Jason Saab is the latest NRL star to leave the football pitch for the boxing ring as he targets a fight with former teammate Zac Lomax.
The pair played together at St George Illawarra when Saab made his NRL debut in 2019 and the 22-year-old is reportedly determined to make his professional punch against his former team-mate.
“I know Saab is very interested in fighting Zac Lomax,” said No Limit boxing CEO George Rose Code sports.
βI would like to take on such a fight.
“It’s questionable if Zac Lomax wants to get in on Jason, because Jason’s made it very clear he wants him.”
Jason Saab is looking to make his pro debut against St George star Zac Lomax
Lomax (right) and Saab played together for two seasons with the Dragons
Saab took up boxing two years ago to build his confidence, while his career with Manly was going through a rough patch.
“It’s made a huge difference, and over the last six months to a year you can see it in him,” his boxing trainer Hassan El-Achrafi told Code Sports.
βHe’s slim, has very smooth footwork and floats around, very light on his feet.
“He is conscientious in his technique and eager to learn.”
Saab trains at the Final Round gym in Liverpool alongside teammates Josh Aloiai and Josh Schuster.
Former NRL star Joey Leilua trained at the same facility prior to his fight with Chris Heighington two years ago.
Lomax, meanwhile, is a renowned boxing fan and was in Tyler Sargeant-Wilson’s corner during his fight against Steven Rados on the undercard of Paul Gallen’s fight against former World Heavyweight Champion Lucas Browne in April 2021.
Saab (left) started boxing two years ago and trains with teammates Josh Aloiai and Josh Schuster at the Final Round gym in Liverpool
Lomax (left) was in Tyler Sargeant-Wilson’s corner during his fight against Steven Rados in April 2021 on the undercard of Paul Gallen’s fight against Lucas Browne
Gallen is the most high profile NRL star having successfully transitioned into boxing, turning pro in 2014 β five years before retiring from rugby league.
Last week, Canterbury propagandist Tevita Pangai Jr revealed that he will be leaving the NRL at the end of the season to pursue a career in boxing.
The 27-year-old, with an estimated $750,000 contract for 2024, briefed the Bulldogs this week on his desire to focus on family and fighting and will continue to work with them on the details of his departure.
Pangai has fought professionally twice and has a 2-0 record. He first defeated Gerico Cecil by technical knockout in December 2021 and then defeated Jerry Tupai last December.