The Prime Minister Julia Gillard today paid tribute to Australian boxing legend Lionel Rose.
Mr Rose was the first Indigenous Australian to win a boxing world title in any weight class when he defeated Japanese boxer Masahiko Harada in 15 rounds in Tokyo in 1968.
In recognition of this achievement he was named Australian of the Year in 1968, the first Indigenous Australian to be awarded this honour. Mr Rose was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the same year.
Lionel Rose was an Australian champion in every sense of the word, and an inspiration to all of us.
The Prime Minister extended her deepest sympathies and those of the Australian Government and community to Mr Rose's family, friends and the Australian boxing community.