Rahim (CJ) Mundine has continued his family’s tradition, turning professional last night in a unanimous decisions victory against an awkward Lepani Levatia at the ICC in Sydney.
It was the first-ever time Mundine had stepped in a ring competitively and despite not walking away with a knockout, it was everything the 20-year-old needed.
“A good experience for me given I’ve never had any amateur or pro fights,” Mundine said in a post-fight interview.
“My first real fight so a good learning curve for me and I want to do it again in the future.”
While making his first appearance in the ring was an achievement, Mundine, however, is committed to making his NRL debut, having joined the Wests Tigers.
His father, Anthony, was in the corner throughout the fight alongside his grandfather, Tony. The pair used their wisdom to help Mundine to his maiden victory.
Although there is plenty of improvements for Mundine to make, being it’s his first foray into the professional ranks, he showed a touch of class and understanding of the game when Levatia was hurt. Instead of going in for the kill, which can leave you wide open, Mundine was cautious, picking his punches and not rushing.
He didn’t get the ideal knockout early in his career but it was an important takeaway from last night’s bout.
