Kelly Slater's unexpected cameo at Anthony Mundine farewell
Anthony Mundine has officially bowed out of boxing and the Aussie great was given a beautiful and unexpected parting tribute from surfing legend, Kelly Slater.
Mundine hung up the gloves after a glittering boxing career that included three titles and 48 wins from his 59 professional fights.
'DISRESPECTFUL': Tim Tszyu rages over Anthony Mundine 'circus'
BOMBSHELL: Tyson's shock $32 million Evander Holyfield move
'VERY SAD': Boxing rocked by star's tragic death at 33
The 45-year-old's boxing career ended in sad fashion earlier this month when he was knocked out by Michael Zerafa two minutes into their fight in Bendigo.
Many good judges thought 'The Man' should have walked away from the sport several years ago when he perviously hinted at doing just that.
On Wednesday, Mundine finally called time on his sporting career, having also represented New South Wales in State of Origin during a 134-game NRL career.
However, his farewell function in Sydney's Circular Quay took an unexpected twist when Slater interrupted the event to pass on his congratulations.
“It’s Kelly Slater bra," Mundine said with excitement as he was handed a mobile phone from a member of his entourage.
“Teach me how to surf,” he told Slater. “I might become a surfer.”
The American - whom Mundine struck up a friendship with in the early 2000s - suggested the 45-year-old would probably also be pretty handy on a surfboard.
“Well yeah, I think you need a third career, you’ve been able to switch over pretty easily in the past," Slater said.
“Anyways, we’re just proud of you," he added.
“I just wanted to call and say congratulations and all the best for the next endeavour and all the happiness to you and your family. You’re a legend.”
The touching gesture came as a pleasant surprise for Mundine, who invited Slater to watch his Sydney title fight against Mikkel Kessler in June, 2005.
'The Man' sorry for infamous 9/11 comments
Mundine also addressed one of the biggest scandals during a frequently controversial career, when he apologised for comments he made in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
The Aussie reacted to the Al Qaeda terrorist strikes by remarking at the time that "America's brought it upon themselves".
On Wednesday, Mundine admitted that his comments were "pretty dumb" but stressed that he never supported the terrorist actions.
“A lot of the media portrayed me to be for the killings. I want to put that on record, that I was in no way for the killings,” Mundine said.
“Taking one human life is like taking the whole of humanity to me. I feel like I was crucified for that – probably rightly so. I said it raw and pretty dumb at the time...
“If I offended anybody in my career, honestly, I’m sincerely sorry.
“Please find it in your heart to forgive me. I’m a changed man, I’m a different type of cat.
“As you get older, you get more mellow. God bless everybody. Thank you.”
with agencies
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.