'I thought they wiped all the Aborigines from Tasmania out': Anthony Mundine has questioned Daniel Geale's right to wear the Aboriginal flag.
Photo: Australian News Channel Pty Ltd
Controversial boxer Anthony Mundine has questioned rival Daniel Geale's right to wear the Aboriginal flag ahead of their long-awaited rematch.
Geale, a Tasmanian with indigenous heritage who wears an Aboriginal flag on his trunks, is the current IBF and WBA super-middleweight champion and suffered the only defeat of his career in a split-decision loss to Mundine in 2009.
Addressing the media today to announce their rematch, Mundine attacked Geale's claim to represent the Aboriginal people.
"I thought they wiped all the Aborigines from Tasmania out," Mundine told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"That's all I know . . . I don't know, I don't see him representing black people, or coloured people. I don't see him in the communities, I don't see him doing the things I do for people, and fighting for the people. But he's his own man.
"He's got a white woman, he's got white kids. I keep it real, all day every day.
"[But] I respect him as a gentleman, I respect him as a fighter."
Geale hit back and pledged to "dominate" the fight with Mundine.
"I have a lot of respect for the Aboriginal people," Geale said.
"My heritage is down in Tasmania. I've done a fair bit of research. I love my heritage, and I'm proud to show that. If anyone tries to tell me that I've got no right to do that, then something bad will happen. Trust me."
No date or venue have been set for the fight as yet.