Champion boxer, inspiration, trailblazer and Superman: Tributes flow for Tony Mundine

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published August 31, 2026 at 4.30pm (AWST)

Note: This report contains the image and name of a person who has died.

Tributes continue to flow for legendary boxer Tony Mundine, who has passed away suddenly aged 75.

Boasting an 80-win record from just shy of 100 fights, including 64 by knockout, Mundine is recognised as the only Australian boxer to compete across four weight classes, crowned Australian champion multiple times and birthing a continuing legacy in the ring.

His son, world champion Anthony Mundine, confirmed the news on Sunday.

"I don't know what to say, I'm broken," he wrote in a statement on social media.

"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 is understood to have passed after a heart attack on Sunday.

Tributes have streamed in from the boxing world and further afar.

"Uncle Tony's contribution to our community reached far beyond the boxing ring. His gym in The Block at Redfern became a place where young people could find strength, discipline, guidance and a sense of belonging," Redfern All Black Rugby League Club wrote on Monday morning.

The elder Mundine played for the Redfern All Blacks.

"Through boxing and his connection to community, Uncle Tony inspired generations and played an important role in shaping the young people around him."

The club said "we remember Uncle Tony not only as a former champion boxer, but as a father, uncle, mentor, community man and proud identity in the Redfern community whose impact will continue through the generations", sending their condolences to the family.

Anthony and Tony Mundine training. Image: Dan Peled (AAP).

Current fighter and former world champion George Kambosos Jr remembered Mundine as "an absolute Australian boxing legend", while Danny Green, who held a long-time rivalry with his son during their careers, farewelled a 'legendary' figure, gentleman and personal inspiration.

American iconic ring announcer Michael Buffer paid tribute to a 'legend' via social media, with more from Australia's boxing, sporting scene and public doing the same.

Following in his footsteps, Anthony Mundine carved out his own champion fighting career after retiring from professional rugby league.

The family's place in boxing continues with the latest generation, in Rahim 'CJ' Mundine, 25, now 4-0-0 to start his professional career.

"My Hero my Superman I miss you so much already pop," he wrote on social media Monday.

"I'm proud to call myself your grandson and it's an honor to represent you and your last name and I'll carry it 'til my last breath.

"All I ever wanted to do was make you proud and I hope to do that one day even though you told me you're already proud of me."

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said Mundine was "a trailblazer for Indigenous Australians in sport" and "father, grandfather and mentor whose legacy will live on through the generations he inspired, both in and out of the ring".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss, who wrote she grew up familiar with Mundine and spent time in the Redfern Gym, expressed her memories and Mundine's standing in the local community.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.