IN BRIEF
- Australian boxing great, Tony Mundine, passed away on 30 August from a heart attack.
- Mundine remains the only Australian boxer to hold national titles in four weight divisions.
WARNING: This article contains the name and image of an Aboriginal person who has passed away.
Respected Bundjalung boxer Anthony 'Tony' Mundine OAM has been remembered as an "unwavering anchor" of strength and determination at an emotional ceremony in Sydney's Redfern.
Crowds gathered at Redfern Oval on Saturday morning to pay their respects to Mundine, who died from a heart attack on 30 August — aged 75.
His coffin was carried to a small stage — decorated with a large bouquet and the Aboriginal flag proudly draped across the top.
On the side, the dark wood was printed with a pair of boxing gloves and a gold rabbit, a nod to Mundine's loyal, lifelong love of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
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Bundjalung and Gadigal man Craig Madden, nephew to "Uncle Tony", welcomed guests to Country.
He recalled the life of a man who, at 15, came to Sydney to chase his dreams "into the ring".
Madden described Mundine as the "backbone" of their family.
"Steady, loyal and always there when you needed him. He was strong and staunch, yet humble, kind and generous beyond measure," he said.
"He always made room for a yarn and a laugh, or a quiet word when someone needed comfort."
"He was not a man who wasted words; the ones he shared carried wisdom, warmth and strength ... he shared lessons about life that stayed with you —leaving you feeling hopeful, grounded and ready to face what was to come next."
Mundine's nephew, Matthew Mundine, delivered the eulogy.
He reflected on Mundine's "quiet resilience, unwavering integrity and deep strength of character" that saw him become a "titan of Australian sport".
Acknowledging the legend's achievements in the ring, Mundine Jr said his "greatest victory" was the establishment of the Elouera Tony Mundine Gym and the Tony Mundine Hostel.
"He built far more than physical places — he built sanctuaries of hope," said Mundine Jr.
"For generations of community and young people, especially Aboriginal youth seeking direction, safe housing or a second chance, Tony offered a home away from home."
A "steady anchor", Mundine was a "deeply devoted" family man and a "loyal and steadfast" friend.
"Your fight may be done, but your victories are eternal — and your legacy will never fade."
Mundine's four children, Kelly, Natalie, Anthony and Kiah, also paid tribute to their father.
His youngest child, Kiah Tony Mundine Atkins, described her father as "positive, friendly, kind and happy", a man who "loved people" and deeply loved his grandchildren.
She recalled his cheekiness, his pride in his bright red car he constantly washed, and his funny sayings, "stone the crows, and everybody was a cowboy".
"Whenever I would ask my Dad, 'How are you, Dad?' He would say, 'I'm cruising like a butterfly'," she said.
"Keep cruising like a butterfly, Dad. I love you."
Mundine's eldest, Natalie Carr-Mundine, said her Dad had a special way of "touching people's lives".
"His legacy isn't measured by the titles he has won, or the fights he fought," she said.
"It's measured by the people he has inspired, and looking here today, he's inspired quite a lot of you."
Former boxer and Mundine's only son, Anthony Mundine Junior said he aspires to be like his father.
"If I can be half the man he was in his life, I'm doing alright," he said.
Four of Mundine's grandsons spoke, with Jade Mundine Atkins describing his Pop as their "world".
"I'm incredibly proud to be his grandson."
Family members, Lowanna Mundine and Birrpai Elder Uncle Heath Bugg also shared tributes alongside Nick Barnett, Mundine's closest friend of fifty years.
The memorial also heard from friends, colleagues and competitors from Mundine's boxing career, including ringside doctor Dr Lou Lewis, IBF World Super Featherweight Champion Barry Michael and boxing trainer and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Lewis.
Tribal Warrior CEO Shane Phillips shared reflections on the importance of the Elouera Tony Mundine Gym for Redfern's Aboriginal community, and Aboriginal Hostels CEO Shane Hamilton and Liz Simpson, who has managed the Tony Mundine Hostel for almost two decades, spoke about its impact on young Aboriginal men.
'A proud Bundjalung man from Baryulgil'
Born on 10 June 1951, Mundine was "a proud Bundjalung man from Baryulgil" — a small community on Bundjalung Country near Grafton in northern NSW.
He moved to Redfern at 15-years-old, following his talent in rugby league. But it was training in Ern McQuillan's Newtown gym that turned him to boxing.
Over 15 years, Mundine won 80 out of 96 fights and secured two Commonwealth titles. He remains the only Australian boxer to hold national titles in four weight divisions: middleweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight
He cemented his status as a champion in 1974, when he challenged Argentina's Carlos Monzón for the WBA world middleweight title.
Mundine shared his gift, training others including his son Anthony Mundine Jr and grandson Rahim Mundine.
In 1986, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his dedication and service to the sport of boxing and Aboriginal youth.
"Whether it was at the many national events and gatherings, or on The Block in Redfern, Coluzzi's Café in Kings Cross or in our family homes, Tony gave so much of himself to others," his family said in a statement after his passing.
"His legacy will live on through the many people he encouraged, mentored and inspired throughout his life."
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