The gloves which Anthony Mundine used to knock out Nick Tamafaui in just his second professional fight will go under the hammer at The Battle of the Barracks to raise money for injured Dubbo rugby player Wilson Te-Whata.
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The yellow leather Lonsdale gloves, personally autographed by ‘The Man’, will be auctioned at the six-bout event on Friday night, with the former rugby league star himself aiding the auction process from centre ring.
Proceeds from the sale of the former rugby league star’s gloves will go to Te-Whata, a 39-year-old father of two who was left an incomplete quadriplegic after a freak accident during a routine Dubbo Rhinos training session at Apex Oval.
The tragedy was only compounded with the collapse of the HIH insurance company last month, casting doubt over a $300,000 payout to Te-Whata.
But in a gesture which shows he has a big heart to match what many say is a big head, Mundine has donated the gloves to do his part for the injured player.
Bluey Matthews, of Blue Corner Gym Boxing Promotions which is organising the night, praised Mundine’s sentiment in giving the tools of his brutal trade.
“Anthony gives all his gloves away to be raffled or auctioned after his fights, with the money to go to good causes and charities,” Matthews said.
“It is really good of him to do that because they would obviously be in demand.
“All the proceeds from the auction will go to Wilson, so hopefully people will dig deep for what is a really good piece of boxing memorabilia and also a great cause.”
The auction, to be held during the intermission halfway through the evening, is just one event in what is sure to be an entertaining night.
As well as the six professional fights, the Battle at the Barracks will feature local radio personality Geoff Mann as ring announcer and atmosphere courtesy of the Team Mundine entertainment group.