Anthony Mundine, who takes on Garth Wood this weekend in a rematch, is unquestionably a larger-than-life character in his native Australian territory.
The Man, as he's known, knows how to sell a fight and he has charisma. The love-him or hate-him personality undoubtedly helps shift tickets. Whether it's people paying to see him win or others shelling out cash in the hope he'll lose, the bank manager is certainly happy.
In the ring Mundine has shown talent after admirably transferring from the sport of rugby. He's twice picked up Super-Middlweight WBA titles and was victorious in a grudge fight that captured the nation against Danny Green in 2006. He has quick feet, delivers nice, crisp shots and is capable of delivering a solid dig when he decided to sit down on his shots.
Yet, for me and many others, it's not enough. I would argue that Mundine, despite his genuine potential, has failed to live up to and justify his own proclamations of greatness.
After beating Green in that wonderful performance Mundine went on to take on the rather shopworn Sam Soliman twice (despite knocking him out the first time around). He then relinquished his WBA title - avoiding a match-up with mandatory challenger Mikkel Kessler, who had already comprehesively beat him. Why? Was he tarnished by the loss?
As far as I'm concerned, and with the greatest respect, in the past five years only the name of Daniel Geale (21-0) is a worthy opponent for a man who wants to be seen as a world level fighter. It was with credit, and a little controversy, that Mundine got a split decision win against the raw but talented unbeaten fighter in 2009.
Since then not much has happened. At the age of 35 it could well be too late for Mundine.
Since 2006 Mundine has languished and stagnated. Where he could have moved out of his comfort zone and sought challenges to test his character and boxing skill he has instead taken on the easier, low-risk contests.
Crazy Kim? Carlos Adan Jerez? Ryan Waters? Sorry, not good enough.
Perhaps the ticket sales in front of a roaring home crowd is enough for Mundine? Whatever the reason, I feel Australian boxing fans have been short changed. Mundine, with his personality, could have been a useful addition to the Super Six tournament that is making stars of the likes of Carl Froch and Andre Ward.
On Friday (April 8) Mundine, who has fought 44 times, will have a rematch with 12-fight novice Garth Wood - who sparked Mundine out in five rounds last December in what was a shock.
Credit to Mundine for going back in there to try and right a wrong (Mundine had boxed to an easy lead before he was caught) but how did it come to this in the first place?
Mundine has claimed last year he was looking at taking on the WBA Light-Middleweight Champion Miguel Cotto last year. He put a lack of focus down to the defeat. Yet, Mundine has frequently talked about jumping up and down weights and winning world titles.
Unfortunately, you have to be willing to take on the best to do that.
If he takes care of business this time around against Wood then what happens next? Talk is cheap - actions not words are needed.
Mundine, the man with the mouth - and talent - owes it to the Australian boxing scene to step up to the plate.
He might consider himself a "two weight champion" (the Geale fight was for the lightly-regarded IBO Middleweight belt) but he's not earned the right to be considered a genuine champion. You have to take proper challenges and proper risks to achieve that status.
It's time to move out of the comfort zone. Put up - or shut up.
The Man, as he's known, knows how to sell a fight and he has charisma. The love-him or hate-him personality undoubtedly helps shift tickets. Whether it's people paying to see him win or others shelling out cash in the hope he'll lose, the bank manager is certainly happy.
In the ring Mundine has shown talent after admirably transferring from the sport of rugby. He's twice picked up Super-Middlweight WBA titles and was victorious in a grudge fight that captured the nation against Danny Green in 2006. He has quick feet, delivers nice, crisp shots and is capable of delivering a solid dig when he decided to sit down on his shots.
Yet, for me and many others, it's not enough. I would argue that Mundine, despite his genuine potential, has failed to live up to and justify his own proclamations of greatness.
After beating Green in that wonderful performance Mundine went on to take on the rather shopworn Sam Soliman twice (despite knocking him out the first time around). He then relinquished his WBA title - avoiding a match-up with mandatory challenger Mikkel Kessler, who had already comprehesively beat him. Why? Was he tarnished by the loss?
As far as I'm concerned, and with the greatest respect, in the past five years only the name of Daniel Geale (21-0) is a worthy opponent for a man who wants to be seen as a world level fighter. It was with credit, and a little controversy, that Mundine got a split decision win against the raw but talented unbeaten fighter in 2009.
Since then not much has happened. At the age of 35 it could well be too late for Mundine.
Since 2006 Mundine has languished and stagnated. Where he could have moved out of his comfort zone and sought challenges to test his character and boxing skill he has instead taken on the easier, low-risk contests.
Crazy Kim? Carlos Adan Jerez? Ryan Waters? Sorry, not good enough.
Perhaps the ticket sales in front of a roaring home crowd is enough for Mundine? Whatever the reason, I feel Australian boxing fans have been short changed. Mundine, with his personality, could have been a useful addition to the Super Six tournament that is making stars of the likes of Carl Froch and Andre Ward.
On Friday (April 8) Mundine, who has fought 44 times, will have a rematch with 12-fight novice Garth Wood - who sparked Mundine out in five rounds last December in what was a shock.
Credit to Mundine for going back in there to try and right a wrong (Mundine had boxed to an easy lead before he was caught) but how did it come to this in the first place?
Mundine has claimed last year he was looking at taking on the WBA Light-Middleweight Champion Miguel Cotto last year. He put a lack of focus down to the defeat. Yet, Mundine has frequently talked about jumping up and down weights and winning world titles.
Unfortunately, you have to be willing to take on the best to do that.
If he takes care of business this time around against Wood then what happens next? Talk is cheap - actions not words are needed.
Mundine, the man with the mouth - and talent - owes it to the Australian boxing scene to step up to the plate.
He might consider himself a "two weight champion" (the Geale fight was for the lightly-regarded IBO Middleweight belt) but he's not earned the right to be considered a genuine champion. You have to take proper challenges and proper risks to achieve that status.
It's time to move out of the comfort zone. Put up - or shut up.
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