The family of boxing great Tony Mundine OAM has spoken publicly for the first time since his death, describing the proud Bundjalung man as a mentor "who never forgot where he came from."
"Our hearts are broken," the family said in a statement.
"Tony was a proud Bundjalung man from Baryulgil - NSW, a champion boxer, a community leader, a much-loved son of Redfern and a generous mentor who never forgot where he came from."
Mundine, who died on Sunday aged 75, grew up in Baryulgil near Grafton before a move to Sydney as a teenage rugby league player led him into boxing at Ern McQuillan's Newtown gym.
Over a 15-year professional career he won 80 of 96 fights, and remains the only Australian boxer to hold national titles in four weight divisions (middleweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight) as well as two Commonwealth titles.
His best-known fight came in 1974, when he challenged Argentina's Carlos Monzón for the WBA world middleweight title, a bout stopped in the seventh round.
"Boxing enabled Tony to travel the world and achieve things many could only dream of, but his heart always belonged firstly to his family, his community and his people," the family said.
Beyond the ring, Tony spent decades running gyms in Redfern, training his son Anthony Mundine and grandson Rahim Mundine among generations of fighters, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1986 for his service to sport and Aboriginal youth.
"He was a man who opened doors for others, shared his knowledge freely and understood the importance of lifting up the next generation," the family said.
"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."
The family thanked everyone who has paid tribute since his passing.
"It is a great comfort to know just how many lives he touched. He was loved. He is loved. And he will be forever loved. Rest easy in the dreamtime Dad and Poppy."
Family statement on the passing of Anthony “Tony” William Mundine OAM
From The Mundine Family
"Our hearts are broken.
"The Mundine families are mourning the sudden loss of our father, grandfather, soon to be great grandfather, brother, uncle and husband, Tony Mundine OAM.
"Tony was a proud Bundjalung man from Baryulgil - NSW, a champion boxer, a community leader, a much-loved son of Redfern and a generous mentor who never forgot where he came from.
"For those who knew him, he was more than a champion in the ring. He was a man who opened doors for others, shared his knowledge freely and understood the importance of lifting up the next generation.
"Boxing enabled Tony to travel the world and achieve things many could only dream of, but his heart always belonged firstly to his family, his community and his people.
"He carried the toughness of a fighter, but also the warmth, generosity and humility of a man who loved meeting people, his family and his community.
"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 legacy will live on through the many people he encouraged, mentored and inspired throughout his life.
"We thank everyone who has reached out to our family, and the many people who have paid tribute to Tony and shared their special memories of our Dad.
"It is a great comfort to know just how many lives he touched.
"He was loved. He is loved. And he will be forever loved.
"Rest easy in the dreamtime Dad and Poppy."
Media are invited to use the statement and photos above celebrating Tony Mundine's life and contributions.
