Lionel Rose

Boxer

Birthday June 21, 1948

Birth Sign Cancer

Birthplace Australia

DEATH DATE May 8, 2011 (62)

#168143 Most Popular

About

Australian bantamweight boxer who became the first Indigenous Australian to win a world title. He was the first person to win the Aboriginal Australian of the Year award and was an inaugural inductee into the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame.

Before Fame

He grew up in Jacksons Track as well as the small town of Warragul. At age 15, he won the Australian amateur flyweight title.

Trivia

His victory by decision over Chucho Castillo in front of a pro-Castillo crowd in Inglewood, California caused a riot, leaving 14 fans and referee Dick Young hospitalized.

Family Life

He married a woman named Jenny, who was the daughter of his trainer, Frank Oates. His father, Roy, was also a boxer.

Associated With

He had a brief singing career in the early 70's. His single "I Thank You," written and composed Johnny Young, was a huge hit.