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ONE of the greatest boxing icons in Australian history has died, with Tony Mundine passing away on Sunday.
CODE Sports understands Mundine suffered a heart attack and was unable to be revived.
The 75-year-old was the only Australian to fight across four weight divisions for titles, and is the father of former world champion Anthony Mundine.
Anthony Mundine, who could not be reached directly for comment, is travelling back to Australia from the Middle East upon learning of his father’s passing.
He posted on social media late on Sunday.
“I don’t know what to say I’m broken,” he wrote.
“Dad love you man my Allah bless your soul.
“I’m on my way home to say goodbye one last time until 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 became one of the key figures in Australian sport and the Indigenous movement through his boxing exploits, fighting for a world title in 1974.
He was a constant in the corner of his son Anthony as he made the controversial move from rugby league to professional boxing, becoming a world champion and a pay-per-view star in Australia.
Tony Mundine maintained an impressive fitness regime until his passing, known for doing 900 push-ups and 1000 sit-ups each day.
He would also hit the heaviest leather boxing bags three days a week – bare handed.
It’s understood Mundine was surrounded by loved ones in hospital as he passed.
The highly respected boxing figure fought for the WBA middleweight title against Argentinian Carlos Monzon in 1974, losing via seventh round stoppage.
Mundine finished his sparkling career in 1984 with a professional record of 80-16-1 (64KO).
Since retiring, he has overseen the career of his son Anthony and managed the Mundine Fight Gyms in Redfern.
Mundine won the Australian middleweight title in 1970 with a knockout victory over Billy Choules.
He then claimed the Australian heavyweight title two years later with an 11th round stoppage against Foster Bibron.
His last victory came in 1982 against Dragomir Popovic, and his final bout was a points loss to Alex Sua in 1984.
Mundine Snr was a familiar face at his Redfern gym until the very end.
The iconic Elouera-Tony Mundine gym was first opened in 1985 in ‘The Block’ and was Anthony Mundine’s training base for many years.
A who’s who of Sydney boxing walked up the steps of the former shoe factory to train at the gritty gym.
It had a makeover in 2021, and opened its doors in 2022 with shiny new equipment.
Mundine Snr never changed though.
He stepped away from the day-to-day running of the gym years ago, but could still be seen there in his unofficial uniform: baseball cap, shorts and flip flops.
No Limit Boxing’s Matt and George Rose paid tribute to the champion boxer.
“Uncle Tony Mundine always had an open door for everyone, he always made us feel welcome and always met you with a smile and a warm handshake, he was a legend and always gave great advice and set a great example for everyone who had sporting aspirations,” they said in a statement.
“Very grateful for the time we had with him. He will be missed and we send our love to Choc and the whole Mundine family.
“He was just so warm and generous to everyone – it didn’t matter who you were.”
One of Australia’s greatest Indigenous fighters, Paul Fleming, was boarding a plane on Sunday night when he heard the news.
“I’m heartbroken to hear the passing of one of our greatest,” Fleming told (Code Sports).
“He was a once in a lifetime talent who inspired countless others.
“It’s just devastating.”
Originally published as Tony Mundine: Australian boxing icon and father of dual-sport star Anthony, dies aged 75