He will go down in history as having been the first Aboriginal Australian to win a world boxing title, in 1968.
Challenging the current bantamweight champion at the time, Masahiko “Fighting” Harada, after 15 rounds a points decision declared Rose the new world bantamweight champion.
He was welcomed back to Australia a hero; 100,000 greeted him at Melbourne Town Hall.
In a time when Aboriginals in some states were still not allowed to vote, that same year, he was awarded Australian of the Year and an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
Rose successfully defended his title against Takao Sukurai, Chuch Castillo and Alan Rudkin, before finally losing to feisty Mexican, Rubén Olivares in 1969.
In 1970, Rose took a stand against Apartheid in South Africa, when he denied the financially lucrative offer to fight in South Africa.
There was a feature film made about him in 1991 and more recently, a revealing documentary in 2008, Lionel.
It showed just what an amazing life he had, rubbing shoulders with celebrities and even dabbling in a singing career. But the documentary also displayed his amazing legacy in boxing and Australian society in general.
Rose’s win-loss record was 42-11, with 12 wins by knockout.
A fighter, an inspiration, a legend.
Lionel Rose was 62.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
"Rose was an outstanding boxer, but I seriously doubt he was our best ever as some are suggesting in the emotion of the moment. " I would be interested in how some of the more knowledgeable boxing fans on this site rank him among Australia's best.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
He was a champion. I heard that the WBC has arranged a day of mourning. Totally fitting. He was a wonderful athlete, and clearly an amazing man. RIP.
PaddyBoy
Guest
One of Australia's finest. RIP.
Todd Slater
Guest
My parents told me about Lionel Rose when i was a boy & how inspiring he was, not to mention one of the greatest boxers of all time. The recent documentary on him is awesome & required viewing for anyone who loves boxing & Australian sport in general. Vale Lionel a true King of the Ring.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Jimmy Caruthers was our first WC but Lionel was our first indigenous WC. He was my hero and he is 4 years younger than me. I used to say he had the fastest left hook I've ever seen and he still has the fastest left hook even today. He could throw that punch in multiples and back it up with speed precision and power with either hand. I watched and heard all his fights and when he was at his top he was certainly the best in the world. It was always amazing that he could weigh in at 8stone 6 lb the bantam weight div and look like a welter weight (two division heavier) when he go into the ring. I actually think that having to make the weight contributed to his defeat by Olivares. Boy was he good, when he fought all of Australia and the world thought he was just wonderful. A sad day to hear of him going to the big ring in the sky. He will always be my boxing hero.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Haha I didn't think he was that bad at singing. I mean, nothing special, but an OK novelty act nonetheless. You're right though, from all accounts, and footage and whatnot, he was a top boxer. Super fast. I never got to see or hear him fight live, which is a shame. But when I heard about his story, I was just amazed that I hadn't heard of him before! I love those stories of Australian boxers from back in the day. Les Darcy is another champ who's story is rather amazing.
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
ChrisT, head down to your local video shop and get the DVD release of 'Lionel'. Honestly, he was a pretty inspiring guy. He was massive in Australia and overseas. People couldn't get enough of him. He had incredible talent in the ring, and dignity out of it - a rare thing among boxers. And his achievements, well they speak for themselves. Not too shabby for a boy from Warragul.
sheek
Guest
Well done Melanie, Lionel Rose was a childhood hero of mine, a bit strange considering he was only 7 years my senior. I was only 12 when he won the world bantamweight championship in 1968 as a 19 year old. My family was returning to Madang PNG after our biannual holiday in Australia. On the early morning (our time) of the fight our ship had berthed at the PNG capital Port Moresby (which would become our next home later that year). I had got up early to listen to the live feed from Radio Australia via my transistor radio! I was so excited when Rose won. It was many years later before I was able to watch the TV highlights of the fight. It was an epic fight between two outstanding & courageous boxers. The Japanese Fighting Harada himself was a very decent human being, who had the misfortune to lose to yet another Aussie - Johnny Famechon - when he went up to the featherweight division. But no one doubted his skill or courage. Then about 18 months later, I was in the afternoon audience (our time) at the Hubert Murray national stadium in Port Moresby for the opening ceremony of the South Pacific Games, being opened by the Australian Governor-General. Once again, I had my trusty transistor to my ear as Rose defended his title against the Mexican Ruben Olivares. This time there was no fairy tale. Olivares was a power puncher, & Rose had a suspected 'glass jaw'. It was merciful when the fight ended in the 5th round with Rose being knocked out. Rose was an outstanding boxer, but I seriously doubt he was our best ever as some are suggesting in the emotion of the moment. He possessed great ring craft, hand & foot speed, & was courageous, perhaps too much so. He was also an incredibly dignified, decent & humble human being. But heck, he couldn't sing..........!
oikee
Guest
Rest in peace. Always sad to hear this news.
BigAl
Guest
I don't know how old you are Chris, but I can assure you he WAS placed on a pedestal after he won the title - he acknowledged 100,000 fans from the balcony of the Melbourne Town Hall when he returned from winning the title and had plenty of money when he left the game. He had many personal problems after he finished with boxing. I don't think it's wise to immediately adopt the 'black armband' approach to Lionel Rose's career and life.
ChrisT
Guest
Did I hear correctly that he was Australia's first world champion boxer? Either way, even given some of the media attention I can't help thinking if he'd not been Aboriginal he would have been put on the pedestal far less worthy sports people are constantly put on in this country. His work outside of his sport alone should have earned him a fraction of the fawning praise we to often get treated to of others.