By Jon Geddes

THE boxer who knocked out ex-NRL star Tevita Pangai Junior in the first round of their heavyweight fight last weekend is a talented Shute Shield player.

The 111kg Kenny Niko caused a huge boilover by stopping his high-profile opponent in just 69 seconds, a stunning result which has left Pangai’s boxing career teetering on the ropes.

And Rugby News can reveal Niko is a proud rugby man, who played for Eastern Suburbs and Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.

Last season he combined his boxing career with rugby, running around at No.8 with the Two Blues third grade side after getting the itch to play again.