Pangai Jr dazzles with KO after 'uh oh' moment

2 years ago 88

Most expected Tevita Pangai Jr to instrumentality down Jeremiah Tupai-Ui with comparative easiness successful their undercard fight, but the NRL prima admitted helium was taken aback by his opponent.

The Bulldogs guardant made a cautious commencement to his combat earlier unleashing connected Tupai-Ui who duly returned serve.

What looked to beryllium a comparatively adjacent contention midway done the 2nd circular swung firmly successful Pangai Jr's favour erstwhile helium landed a bid of blows earlier knocking Tupai-Ui retired with an uppercut.

Re-watch the Tevita Pangai Jr vs Jeremiah Tupai-Ui heavyweight fight, advertisement escaped and exclusive connected Stan

Speaking aft the fight, Pangai Jr admitted it was "a pugnacious experience" and was amazed by the powerfulness and output of Tupai-Ui.

"That's what I was shocked about. I was like, 'man, what person I got myself into? This feline is throwing punches!" Pangai Jr said.

"But I knew 8 kilometre runs, those 10km runs, those days with my trainer, helium was connected his pushbike pushing me, I knew that would get maine done and I would beryllium the fitter fighter."

Of the knockout blow, helium joked that his manager "wouldn't beryllium excessively blessed with me," contempt the result.

"There was nary knuckle curl, but similar I said, it was conscionable a fortunate shot," helium added.

"He came to combat and it was a bully trial for me. I conscionable did it to spell backmost to the Bulldogs connected Monday acceptable and firing. I won't beryllium capable to spoil myself tonight. I've got weigh-in connected Monday. It was bully to person (Bulldogs manager Cameron Ciraldo) here.

"I've known him since I was younger. He gets the champion retired of me.

"I've got to bash my portion and bid hard, listen."

As for what's next, Pangai Jr said that helium is keen to look connected the undercard again if headliner Sonny Bill Williams fights erstwhile more.

Hunt finishes SBW successful last combat

However, his hopes mightiness beryllium dashedif Williams retires arsenic helium foreshadowed aft his decision to Mark Hunt.

Nevertheless, Pangai Jr said helium expects to proceed grooming with Williams.

"If Sonny has different paper and helium wants maine connected determination and we get to bid again, it would beryllium good," Pangai Jr said.

"I'm definite I'll bash immoderate boxing grooming with him portion I'm successful Sydney."

Pre-season preparations for the 2022 NRL play statesman connected Monday.

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