SYDNEY - Anthony Mundine apologised to boxing rival Daniel Geale yesterday, admitting he overstepped the mark with offensive comments about his Aboriginal heritage.
Mundine said he instantly regretted the remarks which drew widespread condemnation, notably from within the Aboriginal community.
At a Thursday press conference to announce their highly-anticipated rematch, expected to take place in January, Mundine drew Geale's ire when he questioned the Tasmanian-born fighter's heritage — and said he didn't deserve to wear the Aboriginal flag on his boxing trunks.
But the barbs which hurt IBF and WBA middleweight world champion Geale most came when Mundine inferred he was less Aboriginal because he had "a white wife and white kids" — comments Geale said upset his wife, Sheena. He now accepts those comments were out of line, with Geale accepting the apology.
"I think I went too far," said Mundine as he appeared alongside Geale on Channel Nine's Wide World of Sports yesterday.
"I want to be man-to-man. I had a press conference, and I'll be man-to-man here and say I probably did (over)step the line about your woman and your children.
"I want to say I'm sorry, I'm sincerely sorry.
"After it came out I wanted to take it back but it was too late. I hope you accept my apology."