Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name of a person who has died.
Susanna Freymark
Steve Cansdell sparred with Tony Mundine when they were both 17 at McQuillan’s boxing gym in Sydney.
“We sparred together for six years,” Steve said.
“He was a real warrior in the ring – he was hard in the ring. Out of the ring, he was gentle and humble.”
Tony was born in Baryulgil and Steve went on to be State MP for Clarence (where Baryugil is) for more than eight years. He kept in touch with his sparring partner.
Tony’s sudden death from a heart attack is a shock, Steve said. He was told this morning, Monday, August 31. Tony died yesterday, Sunday, August 30.
“I’ll miss him, so many people will be heartbroken.”
Steve said Tony was a role model.
“He got kids off the streets and into the gym,” Steve said.
Steve said Tony was an incredible boxer.
“To hold two Commonwealth titles in two divisions just doesn’t happen,” Steve said.
Steve last saw Tony in November in 2024.
“I went to Tony’s hotel in Redfern.”
He never drank and he was good with money, Steve said.
“I think he bought his dad a house.”
He was a legend, Steve said.
Musician Troy Cassar-Daley wrote on social media:
I always loved yarning to him anywhere we crossed paths.
We idolised him as kids from Grafton.
Rest easy Unc.
Current State MP for Clarence Richie Williamson paid tribute to Tony Mundine.
“Tony was an Australian sporting champion and a proud Bundjalung man, being raised in Baryulgil before moving to Sydney in the 1960s,” he said.
“Tony forged an extraordinary career in professional boxing, earning the respect of Australians both inside and outside the ring.
“Tony retired from professional boxing in 1984 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1986 for his service to sport, particularly boxing, and to Aboriginal youth.
Tony Mundine leaves an enduring legacy as a champion, a role model and a proud advocate for his community, Mr Williamson said.
Funeral details have not yet been announced.