When Danny Green fights it’s not just for himself, but also for the boxing industry, the sporting world and his proud home country, Australia.
The Green Machine made history on Wednesday night, being the first Australian to take out four boxing world titles, after defeating New Zealand’s Shane Cameron at Hisense Arena.
What makes each of those titles more honourable is the way in which he has conducted himself in winning them, as the ultimate professional.
Yes, like most boxers, Green isn’t afraid to speak his mind or dish out a few cheeky remarks in the lead up to a fight, but he does so with the most utmost respect.
He fights for respect and with respect and this was unmistakable on Wednesday night.
Competitors in all sports are always searching for a way to get an edge on their opponents, yet even with a world title on the line, Green never put that search ahead of respecting his opponent.
From the weeks leading into the bout, to the numerous offers of his glove to Cameron during the fight, to his acceptance speech, Green did nothing but respect his opponent.
In this speech post fight, Green on several occasions took the time to praise Cameron and his home country of New Zealand, in which Green said: “We are ANZACs, and nothing can break that bond.”
And it is this admirable trait of Green’s that sees him as one of the most respected boxers and sporting stars in not just Australia, but the world.
We can only hope that Green has set a precedent for athletes all over the world to follow. If they do then the sporting industry will be a healthier place.
From an Australian perspective Green’s admirable and professional performance on Wednesday night made all Australians watching, proud to be an Aussie.
So while the official title he took home may be the IBO Cruiserweight Title, in my opinion he also took out the title as one of Australia’s greatest, both in and out of the ring.
Nick Brown
Roar Rookie
Grafter and Steve B, say it to him and then go 12 rounds with him. Then we may see you change your mind about him. The sporting world needs more Danny Greens.
Alex
Guest
I think you may be a little too overwhelming in your adulation here mate. Green has been one of the better Australian boxers over the last 10 years but his record hasn't been fantastic. Overall, he won 1 recognised World Title, the WBA Light Heavyweight belt, which he never defended. His IBO belts are alphabet titles, and his WBC Interim Title resulted in losing the big fight to Beyer, and are no really worth that much to most educated fight fans. His victory over RJJ, whilst thrilling, was unfortunately more of a reflection on how far RJJ had fallen more than Green's prowess as a fighter. In fairness, Tarver's KO of Green probably demonstrated that fact. Nevertheless, Green's never ducked opponents and has always, as you say, handled himself with dignity and fought with guts and heart. His victory over Lucas in Montreal for me was his career highlight. Big name fighter, former world champ, in his own rabid backyard, and Green belted him. In summary, Green was a good boxer, a world champion and a good role model for Australian boxing (unlike his arch-nemesis). However, I don't think he did enough in his career to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame, and contrary to what you say, he was never considered a big star outside of Australia. Nevertheless, he's had a fine career and should be proud of what he has achieved.
simo
Guest
I cant believe those that thought Cameron was gonna win. Green showed his ring smarts and made Cameron look very one dimensional. All the hoopla about a knockout was exactly that. I am lapping up this win as i had 100 bucks on Green by Decision @ $5.50 !
Daniel
Guest
To the grafter What have you done in your own life ? Just cause know one respects you, I think you are colour blind, green is selling out stadiums while your at home on your computer.
steve b
Guest
Misses Green must have written this what a load .
Daniel
Guest
Well said Not often does an Australian born fighter bring big names to our shore's, he will be sadly missed when he retires just like Casey stoner, they both leave a great legacy in there sports.
The Grafter
Guest
Are you sure your no colourblind Nick, and your surname is Green not Brown? Slightly over the top in the adulation department mate.