Anthony Mundine Calls Time On Boxing Career And Apologises For His Most Risqué Comment

Anthony Mundine has officially called time on his boxing career.

The veteran fighter was surrounded by sporting celebrities as he explained to Australia that he was finally done stepping into the ring.

It follows a crushing defeat earlier this month against Michael Zerafa, where he didn't even get a punch on his opponent before the bout was called in the first round.

But, as he bowed out of the sport, he wanted to set the record straight.

Mundine apologised for the most controversial statement he made during his career (and there certainly were a few).

When the September 11 attacks happened 20 years ago, the devout follower of Islam shocked Australia when he said 'America's brought it upon themselves'.

"They call it an act of terrorism, but if you can understand religion, and our way of life, it's not about terrorism. It's about fighting for God's law, and America's brought it upon themselves," he said at the time.

Mundine wants people to know those comments were taken out of context and he has issued a heartfelt apology to the world.

The now-former fighter told reporters: "A lot of the media portrayed for me that I was for the killing. I want to put on record I was no way for the killings.

"Taking one human life is like taking the whole of humanity to me. I feel like I was crucified for that, probably rightfully so. I said it pretty raw and it was dumb at the time.

That was by far his most risqué comment, however it wasn't his only one.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, he called Cathy Freeman a 'sell out' in 2007, claimed men make better leaders than women, questioned opponent Daniel Geale's Indigenous Tasmanian heritage, and hit out against an ABC show by saying homosexuality conflicted with Aboriginal beliefs.

In the last few years, he attracted attention for the wrong reasons by questioning vaccines and the coronavirus pandemic.

In his departing press conference, he said: "If I offended anybody in my career, honestly, I am sincerely sorry.

"I hope you find it in your hearts to forgive me. I am a changed man. I am a different type of cat; as you get older you get more mellow."

Mundine's career ends with a record of 48-11, with 28 knock outs. He's proud of the work he's done and pleased he was able to succeed in both boxing and NRL.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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