Tony Mundine has been farewelled at Redfern Oval, where family, friends, sporting figures, and members of the Aboriginal community gathered to remember the trailblazing boxer and community figure.
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Mundine, a proud Bundjalung man from Baryulgil in northern NSW, died from a heart attack on 30 August, aged 75. His funeral was held at Redfern Oval on Saturday, 5 September, with tributes reflecting his sporting career, family life and work with young people. The ceremony marked the farewell of a man whose life and community work were closely connected to Redfern.
A life shaped by boxing and Redfern
Mundine moved to Sydney at 15 and initially pursued rugby league, including playing for the Redfern All Blacks. He later began training at Ern McQuillan’s gym in Newtown before embarking on a professional boxing career.
Across 96 professional fights, Mundine recorded 80 victories and won Commonwealth titles. He became the only Australian boxer to hold national titles across four weight divisions: middleweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight.
His career also took him onto the world stage, including a 1974 challenge against Argentina’s Carlos Monzón for the WBA world middleweight title. Tributes at his funeral also focused on Mundine’s family and community work.
The Redfern All Blacks described him as a champion boxer, community leader and much-loved son of both Redfern and Baryulgil.
“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.”
Remembered as a mentor and family man
Several tributes focused on Mundine’s roles as a father, grandfather, mentor and community figure. His nephew Craig Madden described him as the backbone of the family, remembering a man who was strong and dependable while also being humble, kind and generous.
Mundine’s son, Anthony Mundine Junior, spoke about his father’s achievements and said he hoped to become like him. His four children, Kelly, Natalie, Anthony and Kiah, also paid tribute, while several of his grandchildren spoke about the importance of their Pop.
Kiah Tony Mundine Atkins remembered her father as positive, friendly, kind and happy, recalling his love of people and his grandchildren. Natalie Carr-Mundine said her father had a particular ability to touch people’s lives, with his legacy reflected in the people he had inspired.
A legacy beyond the ring
Among the achievements highlighted during the eulogy were the Elouera Tony Mundine Gym and the Tony Mundine Hostel. His son Matthew described the gym and hostel as places that offered Aboriginal young people direction, safe housing, and a second chance.
Tributes were also delivered by people connected to Mundine’s boxing career and community work, including former world champion Barry Michael, trainer Johnny Lewis, ringside doctor Dr Lou Lewis and Tribal Warrior CEO Shane Phillips.
The Redfern All Blacks also highlighted Mundine’s connection to the club and his family’s continued involvement. His son Choc Mundine and grandson CJ later represented the club.
Read: Redfern All Blacks Celebrate 80 Years of Rugby League and Community Leadership
Mundine leaves behind a significant record in Australian boxing, alongside his community work in Redfern.
For those who knew him as Uncle Tony, Pop, father, mentor, friend and community leader, his legacy is reflected in the family and community connections he leaves behind.
Published 12-September-2026
