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.

A GREAT PUNCHLINE

NIKO’S effort was the classic boxing tale of the underdog defying the odds to beat a more fancied opponent who had been attracting plenty of hype.

He went into the Pangai fight having lost his previous three bouts after turning pro 18 months ago.

“I was surprised I got him in the first round, but I thought I was going to win anyway because the calibre of fighters that I fought previously were high quality,” Niko said. “And I did well against them.”

His persistence, dedication and self-belief paid off in spectacular fashion last Saturday at the Greek Club in Brisbane

“I finally got the win in the fourth fight against a big name like that,” he said. “It was a long time coming and I was really happy.”

Yet even after his impressive victory Niko’s performance did not receive the recognition it  deserved, with all the attention focussed on Pangai’s loss.

A RUGBY HITMAN  

BEFORE stepping into the ring, Niko was punishing opponents on the rugby field playing  first grade with Easts in 2012 and the following season at Norths.

“I was playing centre and No.8 as well, because I have a bit of speed for my size they could throw me around as a utility,” he said.

Last season, at the age of 30, he laced up his boots again in the Two Blues lower grades.

“I knew it was the Rugby  World Cup year and I got the itch,” he said. “I still feel good and wanted to see if I could still run around.” 

 Niko made a huge impression at the Two Blues and had a substantial impact on the club.

“He was a great clubman who attended all our functions,” said general manager Randy Basra. “He is an awesome guy.”            

And Niko’s passion for rugby remains as strong as ever.

“Originally I’m a Kiwi boy and came over here when I was 18,” he said. “I’m an Australian citizen now.

“Rugby union has always been No.1.”

THE BIG SWITCH

NIKO had been in and out of boxing gyms while playing rugby.

“I never jumped in the boxing ring to fight or anything like that,” he said. “For extra cardio and extra fitness I’d jump into a boxing class wherever it was.

“I took a liking to it and decided to give it a crack.”

He had his first amateur fight in 2021 and his first pro bout was on the undercard to the big Sonny Bill Williams v Mark Hunt bout in November 2022.

“That first (pro) fight I got knocked out, and fair enough,” he said. “I felt I was winning in that fight but just a lack of experience got me.”

His second bout was against the Queensland heavyweight champion and Niko is still the only fighter to have gone the distance against him.

Buoyed by his victory over Pangai, Niko is now looking to continue his boxing career.

But could a return to rugby be on the cards in the future?

“You never know,” he replied with an air of mystery.