Not everyone has heard of Fred Brophy’s Boxing Troupe, but for those who have, it’s an institution.
He’ll sell you a ticket, spin you a yarn and dare you into the ring.
For more than four decades, fourth-generation showman Fred Brophy has been carting his boxing tent and fighters to Birdsville, one of the most remote towns in the country, as part of its annual races.
But this year’s event, held earlier this month, marked the last time he would bring his tent.
The crowd was electric at the final show at the Birdsville Races. (Supplied: Peter Wallis)
Final showdown
In his signature red shirt, on the edge of the Simpson Desert, he stands on a raised platform, beating a bass drum with ritual certainty.
“Who wants a fight,” he spruiks.
Courageous punters throw up their hands and a bell clangs as they’re chosen.
It’s part circus, part showdown, part spectacle — but now these boxing bells have tolled for the last time.
Brophy’s grandchildren were in Birdsville for the last show. (Supplied: Peter Wallis)
“There comes a time when enough’s enough,” Brophy said.
“I’m 73, when I’m getting up on that ladder, I can’t do it like I used to.”
Brophy said he was cutting back on shows and did not take his tent to New South Wales or Victoria anymore because of government regulations.
But as long as he could get up the ladder, he said he would keep entertaining.
Fred Brophy is a legend in outback Queensland. (Supplied: Peter Wallis)
“When I go it will be a part of Australia that’s gone but don’t worry, I’ll be around for a while,” he said.
“I’m lucky like a cat, I’ve got nine lives.”
Boxing in Birdsville
The Birdsville Races have attracted crowds of thousands to the far south-west of Queensland for 143 years.
For about 42 of those, Brophy has pitched his tent across from the pub.
Fred Brophy at the Birdsville Races in 1990. (Supplied: State Library of Queensland)
Henry Butler grew up in Birdsville, and the 25-year-old Wangkangurru man remembers how it felt as a kid watching the town of 100 explode.
At a young age, he fell in love with the spectacle of the boxing tent.
“We used to sneak over and listen to the drum, watch all the fighters pop up,” he said.
“One time, I think I was around 10, Fred looked at us and said, ‘I reckon these two young fellas should get up and have a fight’.”
Henry and his cousin had a crack on the mats and made $600 from the crowd throwing in coins.
“It’s something I never forgot,” Henry said.
Henry was sent to boarding school more than 1,000 kilometres away in Yeppoon, so it was years before he made it back to Brophy’s.
“Every year Freddie was like, ‘It’s going to be my last year [in Birdsville],’ Henry said.
“That went on for a few years,” he laughed.
Henry Butler (kneeling in front) with the boxing troupe from Birdsville. (Supplied: Peter Wallis)
Last year, Henry donned the robes for Brophy and this year he stepped into the ring for a final fight in his home town.
“People think all we’re doing is just boxing but you have to be there to see and understand it,” he said.
“It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
“The main reason I love it is the atmosphere: the crowds, everyone is singing along, getting along, having a beer together and then they jump in the ring, but after everyone is having a beer and a good yarn together.”
Some people train all year to take on Fred Brophy’s fighters. (Supplied: Peter Wallis)
End of an era
Gary Brook’s family owns a large cattle station near Birdsville and runs the town’s annual races.
Mr Brook, 44, has not missed a single year.
“I’ve never looked out from the pub and not seen his [Brophy’s] tent,” he said.
Fred Brophy and Gary Brook at a special Q&A session at this year’s races. (Supplied: Peter Wallis)
“It’s going to be a strange feeling in years to come.
“It’s a great loss that he’s called time, but we can understand it.”
But even if the tent never returns, Brophy himself won’t be staying away.
Wedding wager on Birdsville Cup win
“I want to come back and see what they’re going to do here and be able to relax … without worrying about the tent getting blown down in the wind.”
And of course, there’s the long-standing wager with his partner Sandy that she’ll marry him if he either gives up drinking or wins a Birdsville Cup.
Although a celebrant was on hand, his horse Victory Bay didn’t win this year, but maybe next year he’ll have more luck.
“It’s the biggest and the best event that happens in the outback,” Brophy said.
Even though his tent won’t be returning to Birdsville, Fred Brophy will be. (Supplied: Peter Wallis)
It seems the tent stands only while Brophy does, and when he hangs up the gloves, the last boxing tent of its kind in Australia will stay down for good.