NRL convert Anthony Mundine believes Tevita Pangai Junior can match his successful transition to the boxing ring if he can overcome one major weakness
- Anthony Mundine adamant Tevita Pangai Junior can make it as a boxer
- Pangai Junior has left the NRL at the age of 27
- Will fight ‘Battle of the Reef’ undercard in Townsville on October 7
- NRL stars Junior Paulo and Nelson Asofa-Solomona also enter the ring
Former NRL star turned world boxing champion Anthony Mundine is confident that Tevita Pangai Junior can build a successful career in the ring, provided he overcomes one major obstacle.
Spoken in advance Battle of the Reef fight night card in Townsville on Oct. 7 – where the Bulldogs enforcer will fight an opponent yet to be named – Mundine stated that Pangai will have to go to work as he has no amateur pedigree.
Other fighters on the card include fellow football stars Junior Paulo (Eels), Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm) and retired greats Justin Hodges and Matt Cooper, who will face each other.
“He has a passion for the sport, just like I did when I left the NRL in 2000,” Mundine said from the Bondi Boxing Club in Waterloo.
“I have nothing but support for him… my advice to Tevita is to be committed, disciplined and willing to make sacrifices.
Anthony Mundine (pictured left) is confident that Tevita Pangai Junior can build a successful career in the ring, provided he can overcome one major obstacle
Pangai is undefeated in his two previous matches, but has no detailed amateur pedigree
‘He should avoid women, (drink) alcohol and dream big.
Watch all the action of the Battle of the Reef live and exclusively on Stan Pay-Per-View.
‘Performing in an individual sport is not easy, you have to be a gladiator. “He’s a gentle giant, it’s up to Tevita to find his killer instinct.”
Pangai Junior has walked away from a $750,000 contract with Belmore, which Mundine said was admirable.
After calling himself the “greatest athlete of all time,” the retired Orthodox fighter stressed that fighting Pangai Junior in the heavyweight division could be challenging.
“One shot can be crucial,” he said. “That’s why Tevita needs to learn on the job — and fast.”
Pangai, 27, is no rookie with gloves and enjoys a 2-0 record in the ring.
He defeated Gerico Cecil by technical knockout in December 2021 and then knocked out Jerry Tupai last December.
Mundine left the NRL in 2000 and enjoyed a distinguished boxing career despite his many opponents
Mundine’s fights against the likes of Jeff Horn (left) and Danny Green attracted large viewers across Australia
A junior from Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders, Pangai made his NRL debut in 2016 with the Broncos, and also had stints with the Panthers (2021) and Bulldogs (2022-23).
Canterbury football boss Phil Gould said the club was fully behind Pangai’s taking on a new sporting path.
“He’s not the first player to lose his passion for the sport,” he said on Channel Nine’s 100% Foot.
“There are a lot of players who play this game because they’re good at it… but (sometimes) you wonder if this is really what they like to do.”
World title contender Paulo Aokuso (5-0, 3KO) will headline the night in Townsville.
Watch all the action of the Battle of the Reef live and exclusively on Stan Pay-Per-View.