Former Bulldogs prop Tevita Pangai Junior sees himself eclipsing world boxing champion and fellow ex-NRL star Anthony Mundine when it comes to his own professional boxing career.
Pangai Jr. will take his first steps into his new profession on Saturday night when he squares off against Frank Amato in the Battle of the Reef showdown in Townsville.
The front-rower, 27, was a shock Origin selection for NSW this year – but later announced he will switch from footy to boxing, walking away from a lucrative $750,000 contract at Belmore.
An emotional Pangai Jr. stole the headlines at the press conference on Thursday, issuing a warning to his opponent and his critics.
‘I’m here to prove my doubters and haters wrong,’ he said.
Tevita Pangai Junior (right) says he plans on being more successful than Anthony Mundine
The ex-NRL star said he wants to prove his doubters and haters wrong this weekend
Order Battle on the Reef, live & exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View this Saturday night from 6:30pm AEDT.
‘The media are always telling me what to do. I’m sick of taking orders off halfbacks and coaches.
‘Make sure you’re ready.’
The 27-year-old told Daily Mail Australia that he plans to emulate the career of his hero Mundine – and sees himself finding even more success than his idol.
‘The big thing about me stepping away (from the NRL) is that I want to be my own boss,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I love Choc – but I want to be bigger than him.
‘If I’m not trying to surpass him – what am I doing it for!
‘I thank Choc, but I want to be the biggest name in boxing in Australia.’
Anthony Mundine is the only NRL player to become a boxing world champion
Pangai Jr says he doesn’t regret walking away from football to pursue his dreams
Pangai Jr. said he found it hard watching the NRL grand final last weekend because he’d played for both clubs – the Broncos and Panthers – and has good friends on both teams.
However, he has no regrets at all about stepping away from the sport.
‘If anything it just drove me more on this boxing journey. I didn’t get itchy feet to go back,’ he said.
‘Yeah, I’d love to fight in front of 85,000 people, but not play footy.
Pangai Jr’s opponent has warned him that he has knockout power, but the former NRL star isn’t too worried.
‘I’m going to box smart and find my range. We will see how we go from there,’ he said.
‘I’m sure he’s got punching power, but he’s gotta get me first.’
The card also has NRL stars Reagan Campbell-Gillard squaring off with Jason Taumalolo in their pro debuts.
Junior Paulo will lock horns with retired star Ben Hannant, while Justin Hodges will take on Matt Cooper.
Pangai Jr’s brother Jermaine will also feature on the card against Nepote Dawadawa, with Austin Aokuso to go up against Filimoni Naliva Jr.
Order Battle on the Reef, live & exclusive on Stan Pay-Per-View this Saturday night from 6:30pm AEDT.