Anthony Mundine announces Horn as final fight
IF things go according to script for Anthony Mundine, he’ll leave the sport as a winner.
Long seen as one of the most polarizing characters in Australian sport, the accomplished 43-year-old vows to go out a winner in of the biggest events the country will see in 2018.
Speaking to meeting gathering in Brisbane, Mundine (48-8, 28 KOs) confirmed the fight will be his last.
“I can go on for another five years if I want,” said Mundine.
“I’m more confident now than I’ve ever been, even when I was his age. I’ve got the seasoning, if I fought Sven Ottke now, I’d beat him, because that seasoning is behind me.”
“I didn’t have that when I first came into the game, I had to learn on the job. It’s pretty hard but I believe in myself.”
“I won’t lose [it’s about me] going out on a high. That’s the confidence and my braggadocio sort of self. I’m out once I pump this guy.”
For the best part of twelve months, Horn (18-1-1, 12 KOs) has been a mainstream media darling.
Despite the impressive resume of the Brisbane-based star, who enjoyed a near twelve month spell as a world champion, Mundine has vowed to end his celebrated run in his home state.
“He’s the new kid on the block. He’s been the flavour for the last couple of years,” Mundine added.
“They think he’s the next one, you know what I mean? I’m about to put an end to that.”
“He better go back to school teaching or something.”
Y’all better be there or watch on ppv on 30th November it’s about to go down …May the best man win ??
— Anthony Mundine (@Anthony_Mundine) October 10, 2018
Mundine, a former three-division titleholder, believes Horn’s career is best summarized by the performances in his two most high-profile fights.
The 30-year-old Horn experienced mixed results against future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao and current divisional leader Terence Crawford, losing his world title to the latter.
“Look at the facts, I’m just better in every department,” he quipped.
“I mean, he’s had two tough fights. One which he won, which I give him credit for against Pacquiao. Crawford schooled him [and] I’ve got the same skill.”
“I’m bigger, stronger [and] faster. I got just as good feet as Crawford. He’s tricky to watch, but once I work him out after three or four rounds, that’s another thing, I don’t get tired.”
“They better hope or not bank on putting a number to me. You can’t put a number to me, I’m a different athlete and animal, I’m a different beast.”
While Mundine believes he has the ability to continue fighting, he concedes his desire has diminished.
“I could go on, but is my desire there?,” he asked rhetorically.
“Is my willingness to put the hard work and effort there to live like a Spartan? It’s not there anymore.”
The dual sportsman was in fine form and offered some famous last words before departing.
“When I came into the sport, the sport was dead, they were fighting in RSL clubs,” he concluded.
“I gave every Australian a shot, I paved the way to make them big money.”
“This is my opportunity to prove I was the best of the last generation and I’m going to be the best of the next generation.”
Photo: Getty Images
