New Bulldogs forward Pangai Jr has made his professional debut in style, securing a second-round stoppage victory in a heavyweight bout against Gerico Cecil.
Plenty of former teammates were in attendance in Fortitude Valley as Pangai Jr made a winning debut.
It was always going to be a matter of whether the NRL star could outlast the big shots from Cecil early.
While Pangai Jr was making his debut he was the far fitter of the two and able to get through the first round without too much troubling before finding the stoppage in the second.
“He did very well for his first fight,” Australian boxing legend Jeff Horn said for Main Event.
“He landed some big shots and avoided some big shots. He wasn’t just out there swinging wildly and it looked like he had a bit of boxing ability.”
“He showed some skills,” added Main Event’s Ben Damon in commentary.
“He doubled up the left hand a couple of times and picking his shots to finish the fight.”
Pangai Jr was fighting for a cause too, taking to the ring in a tribute to his baby daughter Georgia Pangai, who was due to be born on Thursday.
Pangai Jr and partner Anna suffered a stillbirth 24 weeks into the couple’s pregnancy.
In a bid to honour her memory and raise awareness on the impact of stillbirth and miscarriage, the Bulldogs recruit had his daughter’s initials on his boxing trunks.
Pangai Jr will leave for Sydney after Saturday’s fight as the Bulldogs rip into pre-season training ahead of their 2022 NRL campaign.
The NRL star took out the win. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Tevita Pangai Jr punches Gerico Cecil. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Tevita Pangai Jr celebrates with his baby daughter’s initials on his trunks. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images