Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The following article contains the name and image of a person who has died.

Lawrence 'Baby Cassius' Austin's family and friends want him to be remembered not only as a boxing champion but also as a proud Gunditjmara man, a loving family member, and an inspiration to many.

Born on January 17—the same day as Muhammad Ali—'Baby Cas' shared more than just a birthday with the legendary fighter. Known for his slick movements, quick hands and relentless determination, he carved out his own legacy in Australian boxing.

Growing up on the Framlingham Aboriginal Mission, he and his younger brother David would wrap their hands in old clothes and reenact the boxing matches they had seen or heard about.

Inspired by Aboriginal boxing legends such as George Bracken, Dave Sands, Teddy Rainbow, Bindi Jack, and his cousin, World Bantamweight Champion Lionel Rose, Austin dreamed of stepping into the ring himself.

That dream took him to Melbourne, where he trained at Leo Cole's boxing gym in Collingwood. He made his professional debut against Delston Stokes in November 1971 at the Channel 10 Studios in Melbourne. From there, his career skyrocketed.

Austin fought across six weight divisions—from Super Featherweight to Middleweight, winning multiple Australian, Western Australian, Victorian, South Seas and Commonwealth titles. His disciplined training and natural talent assisted him in adapting to different weight classes.

His nephew, Troy Austen, reflected on his uncle's remarkable career and undefeated spirit.

"Uncle Locky was proud of the fact that he was never knocked down due to his evasive style, resilience, and ring sense," he said.

"He was a great counterpuncher, and his opponents were wary of his lightning-fast hands and famous triple left hook combination."

'Baby Cas' faced some of the best fighters of his time, including legendary clashes with Hector Thompson, whom he defeated twice in three bouts to claim the Commonwealth Title.

He also fought Jeff Malcolm twice, with one of their matches taking place at the Bacchus March Lion Park on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Another defining moment came when he won an Australian Title from Steve Dennis. Later in his career, he had the opportunity to fight in his hometown of Warrnambool, a moment of great pride for him as he stood before his Elders and the Gunditjmara people.

Despite his success, he remained humble.

"Uncle Locky never boasted about his achievements. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, but he never talked about it," his nephew said.

"He was more comfortable being around family and our community, enjoying good times with the mob.

"But if I bragged about him being an Australian and Commonwealth Champion, he'd remind me he was the number one contender for the world title.

"Deep down, I think he believed he would have been the Welterweight Champion of the World if given the chance."

Outside the ring, 'Baby Cas' was known for his generosity and devotion to family.

"He used to carry me around on his shoulders when I was a toddler. He wasn't a materialistic man; he shared whatever he had. After his fights, he'd be looking after us kids. We thought he was a movie star when we saw him in the newspapers," Mr Austin said.

"He loved our nan with all his heart, and it devastated him when we lost her. Mummy Ella was the center of his universe."

His impact extended beyond his family, earning him great respect in the boxing community.

"I was in Townsville once, and a top Queensland boxer, Junior Thompson, heard my surname and immediately asked if I was related to the champ, Baby Cassius Austin. That was pretty cool—someone so far north knew my Uncle," Mr Austin said.

Despite his achievements, 'Baby Cas'' name is not as widely remembered as some of Australia's boxing greats.

"It's a shame he won't be honoured the same way as Uncle Lionel Rose, Johnny Famechon, Jeff Fenech, or Barry Michael, because I believe he could have been the best fighter Australia ever produced," Mr Austin said.

Mr Austin hopes the boxing community will find a way to pay tribute to his uncle.

"I hope they honour him in some way—a mural, a statue, something. His story is one that should inspire others: if a boy from the Framlingham Mission can become the Commonwealth Champion, anything is possible," he said.

Laid to rest on February 7, Lawrence 'Baby Cassius' Austin would want to be remembered as a humble man who loved his family, friends, and his people.

His legacy will live on through those who knew him, the boxing community, and future generations who look up to his story of perseverance and heart.