By Aus-Boxing.com
A decade on, two of Australia’s most celebrated prize fighters will act out the final chapter of their storied rivalry on February 3rd.
It was announced on Tuesday by Adelaide Sport and Tourism Minister Leon Bignel that the City of Churches would be the unlikely host for the second instalment of the most lucrative fight in Australian boxing history between the long-feuding Anthony Mundine and Danny Green on at the Adelaide Oval.
The recently renovated Oval, which underwent an impressive $535 million redevelopment in 2014, secured the rights to host the agreed 83 kilogram catchweight bout after the State Government offered a sizeable seven figure sum to both Mundine and Green in order to ensure their commitment.
It is understood that the Adelaide Oval will be set-up to host approximately 37,000 patrons on fight night.
“We were up against Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth,” said Bignel at the official press conference. “You’ve got to bring some coin to the table. That’s how the modern world works.”
“We’re talking about $4.5 million into the economy through the fight. We’re talking about a massive national and international TV audience for one of the great fights between two of the best fighters of our generation.”
“Everyone wanted this fight, it’s the biggest fight between the two biggest names of our generation in terms of boxing.”
Green, 43, has won four consecutive fights over a five year period since suffering a knockout loss to Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in a brave attempt to capture the WBC cruiserweight championship in 2011. However, the latter stages of his career have been hampered by inactivity with long spells falling in between his most recent wins.
The West Australian has scored two routine decision wins since breaking his longest ring hiatus, outscoring Argentine Roberto Bolonti in 2015 before lifting the Australian cruiserweight title against local bruiser Kane Watts in August.
“I can’t wait to get out there and do my job and make sure that what happened way back in 2006 was a distant memory.” admitted Green. “We don’t see eye-to-eye but I’m the first to admit that he’s an outstanding athlete. He was an immense rugby league player and has been an immense boxer.”
“I respect him as an athlete, but I don’t think he’s anywhere near the fighter I am.”
On the other hand, Mundine will have been inactive for fifteen months by the time he steps into center ring to face Green. The 41-year-old, whose pursuit of the WBC light middleweight title was put to an end by American Charles Hatley last November, will fight at his heaviest weight since turning professional back in 2000.
The brash Mundine was his usual self at the fights official unveiling, promising a vintage performance in what is assumed to be the final professional fight in the accomplished careers of both Mundine and Green.
“I’m going to show him again that I’m going to be as sharp as I was in 2006,” added Mundine. “He’s limited, he’s a limited fighter.”
“He’s going to be very strong; I’m going to have to be a matador to get the victory. I’m going to be very explosive and powerful myself so I’m feeling confident.”
Make no mistake, both Mundine and Green are several years removed from their prime and their looming fight holds no significance on a global scale. However, their February date will provide the wider sporting public with a rare opportunity to witness the sport on a large domestic scale for the first time in many years.
There may not be another rivalry of this stature for decades to come and for that reason alone, this fight and their names continue to create intrigue.
The stage has been set for another memorable night for Australian boxing. Let’s hope it will be for all the right reasons.
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