All eyes on anthem ahead of Green and Mundine superfight
GRUDGE MATCH
ANTHONY Mundine is adamant he will not come out for the national anthem tonight ahead of his anticipated mega-fight with Danny Green.
The controversial boxer claims he will stay in his locker room until after Advance Australia Fair has played in protest to the ‘racist’ anthem.
Indigenous superstar Jessica Mauboy will perform the song before an expected crowd of 30,000 at the Adelaide Oval in what’s being dubbed the biggest fight in Australian boxing history.
“I can’t stand for something that’s racist,” Mundine told a packed press conference alongside Green.
“Advance Australia Fair, when it’s really Advance Australia White. I’m about uniting and bringing people together, and living in peace and harmony.
“The first nation are disrespected and throw the flag in there ... somebody’s got to say something.
“I ain’t coming out until it’s (been) played.”
The stance adds another element to the grudge match between the pair, who first squared off back in 2006 in Sydney. Mundine put on a boxing masterclass that night to win by a unanimous decision in front of more than 30,000 people at Stadium Australia. It was the biggest Pay Per View event in Australia television history, with tonight's bout expected to eclipse it.
Green said he was relieved the hype was almost over and expected to ‘punish’ the man they call Chock.
“I’m just looking forward to getting the job done,” Green said.
“It has been a long time coming, we’ve had a hell of a rivalry. Chock’s Choc. I’m me. He’s different. I’m different. We’re different to each other. People don’t like Chock, and people don’t like me, and that’s what makes this fight exciting.”
You can watch Green v Mundine II at The Court House Hotel or Paddy’s Irish Bar in Port Douglas tonight from 6pm.
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