Mundine: War is not the answer

By Paul Upham: IBF super-middleweight challenger Anthony Mundine appeared live on Australian television on Monday night in Sydney to clarify statements attributed to him earlier in the day, saying he blamed the United States for what happened in New York at the World Trade Center on September 11.
“I got taken out of context today I felt,” said Mundine. “I’m sorry if I offended anybody who caught them comments. I condemn these killings on both sides, on any side, these killings these acts of terrorism. Any form or any shape of violence or killing I’m not for.”

“My heart and soul goes out to their families (World Trade Center victims). I’ve lost close ones myself and I know how it feels. In that situation the grief and sorrow would be unbearable.”

Mundine blames elements in the Australian media for twisting his statements in an effort to dirty his reputation.

“Certain elements of the media make out I condone these things and built me up to be some kind of monster, which I ain’t. People that know me know that I am a peaceful guy, I fight for injustices, I fight for my people and I fight for the true meaning of life,” said Mundine, who is an Aboriginal Australian and a Muslim.

“War is not the answer. War isn’t the answer. There is going to be more killing, there is going to be more body bags and there is going to be more grief and there is going to be more sorrow, not just here but around the world. For humanity as one that isn’t good. I’m for what benefits humanity.

“That wasn’t “The Man” that they made me out to be. Hopefully, you guys can see that and understand that and I want to get on with my life and become the champion of the world.”

Mundine, the IBF Pan Pacific Champion, won his 10th straight fight on Saturday night when he knocked out Guy Waters in the second round in Sydney. “The Man” will now face IBF super middleweight champion Sven Ottke in Germany on December 1.


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor