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Australian boxing icon Tony Mundine has died, age 75.
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The father and trainer of Anthony Mundine suffered a heart attack and passed away on Sunday, according to Code Sports.
“It’s understood Mundine was surrounded by loved ones in hospital as he passed,” the publication reported.
His son Anthony, who is travelling back from Saudi Arabia, took to Instagram on Sunday evening to confirm the news.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m broken,” he wrote.
“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.”
George Kambosos Jr also posted a tribute to Mundine, calling it as a “sad day in Australian sport”.
“Rest in peace to an absolute Australian boxing legend, Tony Mundine,” he wrote.
“A sad day in Australian sport, some great memories at the old Eveleigh street boxing gym in Redfern sparring Choc with Tony always in his corner.
“A great man. My condolences to Anthony and the whole Mundine family.”
Danny Green, who shared a famous rivalry with Anthony, also took to social media.
“RIP to the legendary Tony Mundine,” he posted.
“Grew up watching him on TV Ringside, drew a great deal of inspiration from watching him, one of my late father’s favourite fighters. A gentleman that I had a tonne of respect for and we would always chew the fat when we saw each other.
“Thoughts are with the Mundine family. Thank you for the memories champ.”
Former champion Billy Dib described Mundine “one of Australia’s greatest fighters”.
“Uncle Tony was a beautiful human being and a genuinely good man who always showed me love and respect.”
Aussie boxing broadcaster Ben Damon also posted about the tragic news:
“Tony was a brilliant boxer and a thoroughly good man. He will be missed,” wrote Damon.
Mundine was the first Australian to fight in four different weight divisions, never being beaten by an Aussie across his 16-year career, and challenged for the middleweight world title in 1974.
He leaves a long boxing legacy. His son Anthony was a world champion and grandson Rahim won his fourth career fight just days ago.
Mundine was often seen in Anthony’s corner during his pro boxing career and reportedly did 900 push-ups and 1000 sit-ups every day even into his 70s.
He was inducted into the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.
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