Tevita Pangai Jr is stepping away from boxing to focus on reviving his rugby league career. Following discussions with Brisbane coach Kevin Walters and Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, Pangai Jr is eager to return to the NRL. He will have his final boxing match this Saturday before fully committing to rugby league.
“After informal chats with Kevin Walters and Craig Bellamy, I am convinced I’m on the right path,” Pangai Jr told AAP. “Both of those chats have lit the fire in my belly. I want to get back to my best in the NRL.”
Pangai Jr’s weight is currently at 114kg, a target weight he maintained during his time at the Broncos. He is determined to regain consistency, a quality he feels has been lacking in his career. Pangai Jr’s manager and brother, David Pangai, will handle any NRL club interests.
While the Broncos have shown interest, they currently lack the salary cap space to sign him. Walters mentioned that the team is “wait and see” regarding Pangai Jr’s potential recruitment, acknowledging his talent and the potential benefits of his boxing career in developing his individual mindset.
