‘I’m broken’: Anthony Mundine’s tribute as boxing icon father Tony dies, aged 75
Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains images and names of deceased persons.
The Australian boxing community is mourning the death of the legendary Tony Mundine, aged 75.
Tony Mundine pictured in 1972. Antony Matheus Linsen/Fairfax Media
Tony, the father of Anthony Mundine, was the first Australian to fight in four different weight divisions: middleweight, light-heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight.
He finished his boxing career with 80 wins, 15 losses and one draw, and 64 of those wins came from KOs.
Anthony took to Instagram to confirm the news, saying he was on his way home after travelling to Saudi Arabia.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m broken,” he wrote.
“Dad I love you man, may Allah bless your soul.
“I’m on my way home to say goodbye one last time till we meet again.
“Thanks for doing all you did for me and supporting me in every moment, showing love and strength gonna miss you Tonza, there’s only one Tony Mundine.”
Tony Mundine fought for the WBA middleweight title against Argentinian Carlos Monzon in 1974 but lost in the seventh round due to a stoppage.
He held the Australian titles in the light-heavyweight, heavyweight, middleweight and cruiserweight divisions.
Tony’s final fight was against Alex Sua in 1984, which he lost by points decision.
After retiring from the sport, he was a constant supporter of his son following Anthony’s switch from rugby league to boxing.
Tony’s grandson Rahim has also started a career in boxing and currently has a 4-0 record.
Sonny Bill Williams with Tony and Anthony Mundine after beating Clarence Tillman III in 2012. Getty
George Kambosos Jr was one of many Australian boxing figures to pay tribute to Tony Mundine, describing it as a “sad day in Australian sport”.
“Rest in peace to an absolute Australian boxing legend, Tony Mundine,” he wrote on social media.
“A sad day in Australian sport, some great memories at the old Eveleigh street boxing gym in Redfern sparring Choc with Tony always in his corner.
“A great man. My condolences to Anthony and the whole Mundine family.”
Danny Green, who had a long-running rivalry with Anthony, also paid tribute.
“RIP to the legendary Tony Mundine,” he said on Facebook.
“Grew up watching him on TV Ringside, drew a great deal of inspiration from watching him, one of my late father’s favourite fighters. A gentleman that I had a tonne of respect for and we would always chew the fat when we saw each other.
“Thoughts are with the Mundine family. Thank you for the memories champ.”
