Anthony Mundine


Anthony "The Man" Mundine is an Australian professional boxer and former rugby league footballer. He has competed since 2000 in boxing and held the WBA super-middleweight title twice between 2003 and 2008, the IBO middleweight title from 2009 to 2010, and the WBA interim super-welterweight title from 2011 to 2012. Mundine is well known for his heated rivalries with fellow Australians Danny Green and Daniel Geale.
Before his move to boxing, Mundine was the highest-paid player in the NRL. He considers himself to be Australia's best all-round athlete. He is the son of former boxer Tony Mundine and hails from the Bundjalung people of northern coastal areas of New South Wales.
Mundine was named the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person of the Year in 2000. He is the first boxer in history to have had every one of his professional fights broadcast for television and has generated more pay-per-views than any other Australian boxer since he turned professional. Steve Bunce has described him as "arguably the greatest crossover athlete in boxing history". Mundine has had a stormy relationship with the media: his conversion to Islam in 1999, self-promotion and outspoken opinions have created a love–hate relationship with the Australian public. Mundine has been described as "the most polarising athlete in Australian sports history".

Early life and education

Mundine was born in Newtown, in the inner west of Sydney in 1975. Both of his parents are Aboriginal. Mundine was raised as a Christian, but converted to Islam in the late 1990s. Mundine played junior rugby league for Hurstville United, and while attending Kingsgrove High School, Mundine starred for the school in the 1993 & 1994 teams which won the University Shield both years. He also played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1993. That year, Mundine signed with the St. George Dragons as an eighteen-year-old. Mundine attended Canterbury Boys' High School and Cleveland Street High School.

Rugby league

In 1994, Mundine represented the Junior Kangaroos, the team that beat Great Britain's under-19s in the curtain-raiser to the Australia v. France Test at Parramatta Stadium.
In 1996, he played in a losing grand final, against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. That year, he was the victim of racial vilification when Rugby League player Barry Ward called Mundine a "black cunt". Ward was fined $10,000 for the offense. At the end of that season Mundine announced that he was signing with the Brisbane Broncos in the Super League competition.
In 1997 he played 18 games for the Broncos, scoring three tries. He also played at centre in his second consecutive grand final, this time a victory against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Brisbane.
In 1998 he returned to the Dragons.
Mundine was selected to play for New South Wales in each of the three matches of the 1999 State of Origin series, scoring a try in Game I on debut. That year he also assisted the Dragons' run to the Grand Final, with a hat-trick against the Sharks in the major semi-final. The following week the Dragons lost to the Melbourne Storm in the 1999 NRL Grand Final during which and Mundine, playing at five-eighth knocked-on over the try line early in the second half, which proved to be a major turning point in the match.
Mundine was disappointed that further representative honours did not follow, and believed that his representative opportunities did not reflect his abilities and achievements at club level. He raised the issue of racism as the main explanation for this.
Mundine left rugby league halfway through the 2000 season, after being inspired to go into boxing, when a friend, Abdi Osman, showed him a video of Muhammad Ali. He later cited what he claimed was racism concerning rugby league as one of the reasons he quit to take up boxing. Mundine would later make implications during a promotion for a boxing match that former chairman of selectors and respected Aboriginal figure Arthur Beetson may have been an "Uncle Tom" who went along with the alleged racism.
In 2005 Mundine was reported to be making a comeback to the NRL, but this did not eventuate.
In 2007 Mundine was appointed Indigenous Liaison Officer at the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Mundine has close family ties to rugby league: he is a relative of Wes Patten, Amos Roberts, Beau Mundine, Blake Ferguson and Reece Robinson, all NRL footballers. He is also the brother-in-law of Tyran Smith who married Mundine's sister, Kellie. Mundine's son CJ Mundine is currently on the path to playing in the NRL.
In September 2016, after stating on previous occasions he wanted to return to rugby league, Mundine claimed that St George chief executive Peter Doust had been in contact with him regarding his availability to play. On 8 December 2017, Mundine again declared that he desired to return to rugby league and singled out St George as the club for which he wanted to play. Mundine said in an interview with Fox Sports regarding his possible return that "It could be possible, you don’t know. Anything is possible with me,".
On 21 April 2019 it was announced that Mundine would make a return to rugby league and had signed with the Matraville Tigers in the South Sydney District Junior Rugby League.

Boxing career

Mundine is trained by his father, Tony Mundine, who was a middleweight contender during the 1970s.
Mundine fought his first professional boxing match in July 2000, at the age of 25. After a limited amateur career, his first professional fight was against New Zealander Gerrard Zohs. Only 10 professional bouts later Mundine fought for his first world title against long reigning IBF supermiddleweight champion Sven Ottke in January 2001.

Mundine vs. Sven Ottke

In 2001 Anthony Mundine took on then Super Middleweight champion Sven Ottke for the IBF Super Middleweight belt, Mundine was ahead on points before being knocked out by a right hand to the temple in the 10th round. This was the first time Mundine lost.

Mundine vs. Antwun Echols

Since the WBA and IBF super middleweight titles had been unified by Sven Ottke, Ottke was upgraded to "super" champion status by the WBA and the WBA "regular" super middleweight title was declared vacant. Mundine went on to claim the vacant WBA Super Middleweight title with a unanimous points decision over Antwun Echols on 3 September 2003, in front of his home crowd at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Mundine vs. Manny Siaca

After gaining the vacant WBA title and defending the title once, Mundine fought against Manny Siaca, In a hesitant performance Mundine lost in a 12-round split points decision.

Mundine vs. Mikkel Kessler

Mundine failed in his attempt to win the WBA super middleweight title after losing by decision to Mikkel Kessler on 6 August 2005 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Mundine vs. Danny Green

Mundine's biggest Australian rivalry is with Perth-based Danny Green. In 2001, Mundine called Danny Green "a bum" in response to Green using Mundine's name to garner media attention, and stated that Danny would be a "no hoper" against him. Green waged a consistent media war with Mundine, using the media to build up his own name, and interest in a potential fight with Mundine.
The two boxers finally, after much anticipation, fought on 17 May 2006, at Aussie Stadium, Sydney. The bout was one of the most anticipated in Australian boxing history, and was thought to eclipse the attendance record of 37,000 when Jeff Fenech fought Azumah Nelson in their rematch in 1992. The fight was broadcast on Main Event helmed by Michael Schiavello. It was the biggest Pay Per View event in Australian television history. Green became the slight favourite about 2 hours before the bout. Green had little answer to Mundine's speed and jab, giving Mundine the upper hand. Mundine won a twelve-round unanimous decision by the following scores: Judge Michael Lee 116–113, Judge Pinij Prayadsub 118–111, Judge Derek Milham 118–112.

Mundine vs. Sam Soliman II

Soliman and Mundine would meet for a second time, this time competing for the vacant WBA "regular" super middleweight championship of the world. Unlike the first fight, Mundine dominated the proceedings, knocking his opponent down once in the second round, and three times in the ninth, prompting a knockout ruling by the referee.

Mundine vs. Daniel Geale I

On 27 May 2009, Mundine faced then-undefeated International Boxing Organization middleweight champion Daniel Geale. won by split decision with two judges scoring it 116–113 and 114–113 in favour of Mundine, the third judge scoring 115–113 for Geale. After the fight, Mundine admitted that he had barely studied Geale prior to the fight. The fight undercard also marked the debut of Mundine's close friend and league-turned-rugby player Sonny Bill Williams.

Mundine vs. Garth Wood I

On 8 December 2010 Mundine took on the winner of The Contender Australia boxing series, Garth Wood. After an awkward first four rounds, consisting of grappling, Mundine was on his way to a wide decision. Mundine was knocked out in the 5th round by Wood. Wood was able to land a flush left hook on Mundine's chin, sending him to the canvas. The result was reported to be one of the biggest upsets in Australian boxing history.

Mundine vs. Garth Wood II

On 13 April 2011 Mundine gained revenge for his loss when he defeated Wood in a rematch won every round and dropped him twice and won, via a 10-round unanimous points decision.

Mundine vs. Rigoberto Alvarez

On 19 October 2011 Mundine faced former WBA champion Rigoberto Alvarez for the interim WBA Light Middleweight world title. Mundine won by unanimous decision and as a result became the mandatory challenger for the full belt holder Austin Trout.

Mundine stripped of title

Trout was previously in negotiations with Mundine, but when Trout's management put additional options in the contract Mundine's team decided to force the fight through mandatory position enabling a more favourable negotiation. In March 2012 Mundine turned down the opportunity to face Trout. The promotion of the fight went to a purse bid which Mundine did not pursue. The WBA stripped Mundine of his title in May 2012 for failing to meet the obligations for the mandatory fight. Mundine signed a short-term deal with American promoter Cameron Dunkin.

Mundine vs. Bronco McKart

On 14 July 2012 Mundine faced American Bronco McKart. It was Mundine's first fight in the United States, with the stated aim being to eventually challenge undefeated champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr.. Mundine went on to win the bout by seventh-round TKO. McKart's loss was his first stoppage defeat since 2006, when he lost to Kelly Pavlik, and only his third TKO defeat in 65 fights.

Mundine vs. Daniel Geale II

On 30 January 2013, Mundine fought Daniel Geale for the second time, with Geale's IBF title on the line. The bout was the first time two Australians have fought for the IBF world middleweight title. The fight was sought by Mundine as a stepping-stone to his ultimate desire of fighting world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., while Geale was seeking to avenge his only professional career loss – which was to Mundine in 2009. This was the biggest boxing event in Australia since Mundine fought Danny Green in 2006. Featured on the undercards were Kimbo Slice and Joel Brunker, among others. Mundine went on to lose the bout by unanimous points decision 112–116, 111–117 and 111–117. However, he refused to accept the result and immediately after ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. read out the result, Mundine and his entourage stormed out of the ring and left the arena. Following Mundine's attack on the fight judges and their scoring, New South Wales Combat Sports Authority chairman Denis Fitzgerald is seeking legal advice to determine whether Mundine can be sued for his outburst.

Mundine vs. Shane Mosley

Mundine was to have fought American boxing legend Shane Mosley on 23 October 2013, at the Sydney Entertainment Centre; however, the fight was called off at the last minute by Shane Moseley, who demanded $1 million before entering the ring. Mundine had sent $300,000 of his own money, and his friend Jeff Fenech also put in 1/2 million upon Mosely's arrival to Australia, but this was short of the required $1 million. Mundine was keen to reschedule the fight and managed to raise the required $1 million appearance money with his manager, and the fight eventually took place on 27 November at Allphones Arena. The fight ended after round 6 with Shane Mosley retiring due to back spasms, giving Mundine the victory via TKO.

Mundine vs. Joshua Clottey

On 9 April 2014 Mundine fought former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey in Newcastle and lost by unanimous decision.

Mundine vs. Sergey Rabchenko

On 12 November 2014, Mundine fought with then undefeated European champion Sergey Rabchenko at Hisense Arena, Melbourne. The sponsorship manager of the fight was suspected Melbourne underworld figure, Mick Gatto. The undercard featured former NRL player Cory Paterson. Mundine came into the fight a huge underdog after his defeat by Clottey and against a young undefeated opponent, he went on to win the fight in a split decision, with the three judges scoring the fight 113–115, 115–113 and 116–112. He is now the mandatory contender for Floyd Mayweather, Jr's WBC world championship belt.
Following Rabchenko, Mundine was due to fight Austin Trout in San Antonio, Texas on 9 May 2015; however, Mundine had to pull out after sustaining a perforated ear drum prior to the fight. Mundine was later replaced with Luis Galarza.

Business interests

Mundine has an extensive real estate portfolio and is also the owner of the sporting brand Boxa and the Boxa Bar cafe in Hurstville. Early on the morning of 14 November 2013 the bar was destroyed by fire.
Between 2000 and 2012 Mundine was managed by Khoder Nasser.

Music career

Mundine appeared in the music video of Angry Anderson's 1990 hit song "Bound for Glory". In 2001 Mundine appeared as himself in the music video "Like a Dog" by the Australian rock group Powderfinger, whose frontman Bernard Fanning praised Mundine as "the perfect lead, in terms of what the song is about and the fact that he's prepared to speak up for what he believes in." In 2005 he featured in beatboxer Joel Turner's single "Knock U Out". He then released his own debut single, "Platinum Ryder", which also featured Nathan Merritt and Amos Roberts in the music video. The film clip created controversy for the burning of the Union Jack and a photo of then Prime Minister of Australia John Howard. Mundine also appeared in the Brothablack music video, Are You With Me Out There, along with league player Joe Williams. In 2008 Mundine featured in the video of a GetUp Mob version of the song From Little Things Big Things Grow. In 2009 Mundine also appeared alongside Shannon Noll in the Street Warriors debut album, Unstoppable Force. Mundine's album, entitled Dreams is yet to be released and there is currently no stated release date.

Other media

In July 2002, both Anthony and his father Tony appeared on an episode of Burke's Backyard with veteran Australian Gardening guru Don Burke.
Also in 2002 he appeared with other stars and celebrities in Celebrity Big Brother. In 2003 he was in an episode of Greeks on the Roof and in 2005 he appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
From 2007 to 2009 he appeared on The Footy Show. He was in a five-hour interactive DVD called Raising Children: A Guide to Parenting from Birth to Five. This DVD also featured Russell Crowe, Danielle Spencer, Neil Perry, Stan Grant and Johanna Griggs. He has also appeared in The Contender Australia three times. And been a guest, starring as himself, on the Pizza TV series. In 2010 Mundine was a on The Biggest Loser Australia: Couples 2.
Mundine's portrait by James Hunt, entitled Bora Anthony Mundine, was a notable finalist in the 2002 Archibald Prize.
Mundine is featured as part of the roster on the Fight Night Round 4 and Fight Night Champion video games.
In October 2016 he appeared on Anh Do's Anh's Brush with Fame on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
In January 2018, Mundine was revealed as a celebrity contestant on the fourth season of the Australian version of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. As of 8 February 2018, Anthony Mundine became the second celebrity to walk out on the 2018 series of I'm a Celebrity Get me out of here Australia following Bernard Tomic.

Indigenous Deadly Awards

Public controversy

In an interview in October 2001, Mundine said of the 11 September terrorist attacks, "They call it an act of terrorism, but if you can understand religion, and our way of life, it’s not about terrorism. It’s about fighting for God’s law, and America’s brought it upon themselves". Offering some insight into his tendency to make controversial comments in the media, Mundine stated, "If you want to toe the line, if you want to be some corporate guy and say the right things, do the right things, you might be okay in the media's eye, but it won't be real for me". Mundine later claimed he was taken out of context: "Those comments were just spun around like I was clapping my hands. I have a family too, I know what it is like to suffer the loss of someone close to me, and I would never wish that upon anyone. The point I was trying to get across was that it was in a war state of mind, and there is always going to be tit for tat, so why put yourself in a situation where you can endanger people. I have got nothing against any American, I have got nothing against any human being. It breaks my heart that people think I would even have that line of thought about being happy about people dying. That is crap and I want to clarify that because it is wrong".
Mundine also referred to Cathy Freeman as a sellout: "Cathy Freeman. She sold out, toeing the line. And that ain't me. I'm not a fake." He also went on to state repeated times that men, not women, are more qualified to lead. "As far as being a leader, that's not her anyway, a man can only lead."
In late 2012, Mundine questioned former opponent WBA/IBF champion Daniel Geale's indigenous Tasmanian heritage by saying that he should not wear the Australian Aboriginal Flag on his shorts: "I thought they wiped all the Aborigines from Tasmania out.... He's got a white woman, he's got white kids. I keep it real, all day every day". When asked whether Geale deserved to sport the Aboriginal flag on his trunks, he said, "No". Mundine later apologised to Tasmanian Aborigines and added that he felt many people claimed indigenous heritage to receive government benefits but had no real connection with their Aboriginal roots. He also claimed that Australia was one of "the most racist nations in the world" before calling for the Australian anthem and the Australian flag to be changed to be more inclusive of indigenous Australians.
In November 2013, Mundine, an Aboriginal Australian, made comments on Twitter stating that homosexuality was incompatible with Aboriginal beliefs. Following Mundine's comments, Aboriginal actor Luke Carroll pointed out that Mundine's own religious beliefs that led him to form his opinions on homosexuality were incompatible with the Aboriginal Dreamtime. On coming out in a 2015 interview with NITV, former NRL player Casey Conway described Mundine's comments as "really disappointing" and unrepresentative of the Aboriginal community, describing the damage that homophobic comments can do to young people.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
58Loss48–10John Wayne ParrSD1030 November 2019Convention Centre, Brisbane, Australia
57Loss48–9Jeff HornKO1, 1:3630 November 2018Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, AustraliaLost WBO Oriental middleweight title;
For vacant WBA Oceania middleweight title
56Win48–8Tommy BrowneTKO2, 2:5917 January 2018Star City Casino, Sydney, AustraliaWon vacant WBO Oriental middleweight title
55Loss47–8Danny Green103 February 2017Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, AustraliaFor Australian cruiserweight title
54Loss47–7Charles HatleyTKO11, 1:3811 November 2015Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, AustraliaLost WBC Silver super-welterweight title
53Win47–6Sergey RabchenkoSD1212 November 2014Hisense Arena, Melbourne, AustraliaWon WBC Silver super-welterweight title
52Loss46–6Joshua ClotteyUD129 April 2014Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, AustraliaLost WBA International super-welterweight title
51Win46–5Gunnar JacksonUD1029 January 2014Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
50Win45–5Shane Mosley7, 0:0127 November 2013Allphones Arena, Sydney, AustraliaWon vacant WBA International super-welterweight title
49Loss44–5Daniel GealeUD1230 January 2013Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaFor IBF middleweight title
48Win44–4Bronco McKartTKO7, 2:0414 July 2012Pearl Concert Theater, Paradise, Nevada, USWon vacant IBF North American middleweight title
47Win43–4Rigoberto ÁlvarezUD1219 October 2011Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, AustraliaWon vacant WBA interim super-welterweight title
46Win42–4Xavier ToliverTKO7 5 June 2011The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
45Win41–4Garth WoodUD1013 April 2011Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
44Loss40–4Garth WoodKO5, 0:588 December 2010Acer Arena, Sydney, Australia
43Win40–3Ryan WatersTKO10, 0:2415 September 2010Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, Australia
42Win39–3Carlos Adán JerezUD1230 June 2010Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia
41Win38–3Robert MedleyUD1211 January 2010Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia
40Win37–3Alejandro Gustavo FalligaUD1021 October 2009Silverdome, Launceston, Australia
39Win36–3Daniel GealeSD1227 May 2009Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, AustraliaWon IBO middleweight title
38Win35–3Shannan TaylorUD1211 February 2009Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, AustraliaWon vacant WBA International middleweight title
37Win34–3Rafael Sosa PintosUD1011 December 2008E.G. Whitlam Recreation Centre, Sydney, Australia
36Win33–3Crazy KimUD1030 July 2008Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia
35Win32–3Sam SolimanUD1228 May 2008Vodafone Arena, Melbourne, AustraliaRetained WBA super-middleweight title
34Win31–3Nader HamdanUD1227 February 2008Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaRetained WBA super-middleweight title
33Win30–3Jose Alberto ClaveroKO4, 2:1410 December 2007Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaRetained WBA super-middleweight title
32Win29–3Pablo Daniel ZamoraUD1227 June 2007Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, AustraliaRetained WBA super-middleweight title
31Win28–3Sam SolimanKO9, 2:267 March 2007Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaWon vacant WBA super-middleweight title
30Win27–3Ruben Eduardo AcostaKO4, 1:4115 November 2006Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia
29Win26–3Danny GreenUD1217 May 2006Aussie Stadium, Sydney, Australia
28Win25–3Rico Chong NeeTKO3, 3:0011 December 2005Challenge Stadium, Perth, Australia
27Win24–3Rashi Ali Hadj MatumlaTKO6, 0:367 September 2005Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia
26Loss23–3Mikkel KesslerUD128 June 2005Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaFor WBA super-middleweight title
25Win23–2Darmel CastilloTKO4, 2:312 February 2005Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Australia
24Win22–2Juarne DowlingTKO3, 2:1913 October 2004Indoor Sports Centre, Carrara, Australia
23Win21–2Sean SullivanTKO10, 0:478 September 2004E.G. Whitlam Recreation Centre, Sydney, Australia
22Loss20–2Manny SiacaSD125 May 2004Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaLost WBA super-middleweight title
21Win20–1Yoshinori NishizawaTKO5, 0:4319 January 2004Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, AustraliaRetained WBA super-middleweight title
20Win19–1Antwun EcholsUD123 September 2003Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaWon vacant WBA super-middleweight title
19Win18–1Rogerio CacciatoreTKO1, 1:4417 March 2003Indoor Sports Centre, Carrara, Australia
18Win17–1Sean SullivanUD121 February 2003ASB Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandRetained WBA Pan African, WBA Fedelatin, and PABA super-middleweight titles
17Win16–1Rick ThornberryTKO11 2 November 2002Indoor Sports Centre, Carrara, AustraliaRetained WBA Pan African and PABA super-middleweight titles;
Won WBA Fedelatin super-middleweight title
16Win15–1Soon BotesKO3 2 September 2002E.G. Whitlam Recreation Centre, Sydney, AustraliaRetained PABA super-middleweight title;
Won vacant WBA Pan African super-middleweight title
15Win14–1Lester EllisTKO3, 2:0415 July 2002Vodafone Arena, Melbourne, Australia
14Win13–1Darren ObahTKO6 3 June 2002E.G. Whitlam Recreation Centre, Sydney, AustraliaRetained PABA super-middleweight title
13Win12–1Roland FrancisTKO8 1 April 2002Indoor Sports Centre, Carrara, AustraliaWon vacant PABA super-middleweight title
12Win11–1Brad MayoUD104 March 2002Entertainment Centre, Townsville, Australia
11Loss10–1Sven OttkeKO10 1 December 2001Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, GermanyFor IBF super-middleweight title
10Win10–0Guy WatersKO2 20 October 2001E.G. Whitlam Recreation Centre, Sydney, AustraliaRetained IBF Pan Pacific super-middleweight title
9Win9–0Sam Soliman123 September 2001Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, AustraliaWon vacant IBF Pan Pacific super-middleweight title
8Win8–0Kevin PompeyTKO3, 0:5710 July 2001Centre Molson, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
7Win7–0Mike MakataTKO5 18 June 2001E.G. Whitlam Recreation Centre, Sydney, AustraliaRetained PABA super-middleweight title
6Win6–0Timo MasuaKO3 16 April 2001Indoor Sports Centre, Carrara, AustraliaWon PABA super-middleweight title
5Win5–0Marc BargeroTKO6 19 February 2001NorthPower Stadium at Grahame Park, Gosford, AustraliaWon Australian super-middleweight title
4Win4–0Ian McLeodTKO9 11 December 2000Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, Australia
3Win3–0Heath Stenton830 October 2000Festival Hall, Melbourne, Australia
2Win2–0Nik Taumafai6 4 September 2000Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, Australia
1Win1–0Gerrard Zohs4 3 July 2000Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia