Lionel Rose, ‘The Australian Legend’ honoured in tribute – Boxing News
Australians sports and political figures have all paid tribute to their legendary boxer, Lionel Rose, who died over the weekend at the age of 62.
Rose, who wrote Australian history in 1968 by becoming the first Aboriginal boxer ever to win a world title, was left partially paralysed with speech difficulties, since he had a stroke in 2007. He also was suffering with severe health problems.
Anthony Mundine, who is a three-time boxing world champion, says Lionel Rose was the greatest Australian fighter ever and was also a source of inspiration, for the young ones.
Mundine, while speaking to the media, said, “He was the pioneer not just for Indigenous Australians. He was the first Australian world champion, he wasn't the first Indigenous but the first Australian champion. It's a sad loss obviously and I feel a little
bit dudded because I believe he is the best Australian fighter to have come out of these shores. [I] have an immense respect for the man and what he's done for Aboriginal culture and what he's done for Australia.”
Rose’s cousin, Brad Vocale, who has also served as president for the Australian Boxing Federation, said that Rose was an Australian sporting legend.
Vocale, added, “He created history. He made all Australians proud, especially my race, my people. He made us all very, very proud. He gave us all something to fight for and something to live for.”
Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, also expressed her feelings and said that Rose was an inspirational Australian.
World Boxing Council president, Jose Sulaiman, has also shown great respect for Rose, who was also appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Sulaiman has announced tomorrow, May 10, as a day of mourning for all of the 170 countries
who are a part of the WBC.
Rose won three world bantamweight titles, before he lost his battle to Mexican Ruben Olivares, in August, 1969.
Rose will always shine as one of the brightest stars, who have ever embraced the sport of boxing.
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