The Big Con !

Boxing fans who paid big money to sit ringside at the Horn-Mundine fight might have mixed feelings on whether they got their moneys worth.  The event didn't last the full first round and was over in less than two minutes, and it was hardly an even contest between two boxers.

A scowling Mundine whetted attitudes for a grudge match when he mildly assaulted  Jeff Horn at the obligatory press conference days before the event, but that is part of the showmanship that fight promotors demand to entice people to put bums on seats ringside and pay big money for the privilege.

At 43, Mundine is far past his best as a boxer and that was evident when he failed to land a single decent punch on his opponent and this " fight " could best be described as Mundine defending himself from a cascade of punishing blows. A left hook connection sent him crashing to the canvas - and the fight was clearly over.

Anthony Mundine is known as " the Man " because he has been controversially in the limelight for most of his life.  He extols his Aboriginality and the media can rely on a controversial comment to raise the ire of many on just about any subject.   He was particularly outspoken and made many enemies over his views on the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers.

If any label can be attached to Mundine is would probably be " news junkie ".   He had his time playing Rugby League, but without any spectacular success. He was more successful as a boxer with 48 wins and nine defeats, although most of these fights were not memorable.  " The Man " was better known for his tongue than his fists.

Anthony Mundine made it clear before this match that he would retire if he lost the bout.  In all probability this was a calculated risk. He was risking his health stepping into the ring with a younger and fitter opponent with clearly superior boxing skills.  The reward each fighter will receive has not been disclosed, but perhaps Mundine regards it as his superannuation payout to cover his old age.  The risk factor was to survive the fight without permanent physical damage.

Mundine and Horn were gracious after the event.   Some of his detractors will get a degree of satisfaction at his summary defeat but the public is interested in what he has to say and on a lot of subjects he does make a lot of sense.  What seems certain is that Mundine will continue to voice his opinion - and the media will report it.

Anthony Mundine is one of those " characters " which find a place in Australian folklore.  He has the ability to constantly " reinvent " himself and while his boxing days may be over he will still loom large on the Australian scene.