An Anglican priest and professional boxer has renewed his public challenge to former prime minister Tony Abbott, linking it to Abbott's praise of police actions at a recent pro-Palestine rally. Father Dave Smith, a three-time Australian of the Year nominee and current NSW over-60s professional light-heavyweight boxing champion, released a video on Thursday calling on Abbott to step into the ring.
Smith said Abbott's earlier refusal, citing concerns about 'beating up an old priest,' no longer held after Abbott applauded police who clashed with demonstrators at the Town Hall rally, which Smith attended. 'I know you said no to my last challenge because you didn't want to look like a thug, beating up on an old priest,' Smith said. 'But I think that horse bolted when you applauded the police who attacked peaceful demonstrators. I was there. It wasn't pretty.'
The rally on February 10 outside Sydney Town Hall opposed Israeli Prime Minister Isaac Herzog's tour of Australia. An estimated 30,000 people attended, including NSW Greens representatives Sue Higginson, Jenny Leong, and Abigail Boyd. Footage showed police arresting dozens, with Greens MPs, rally organiser Joshua Lees, and NSW Council of Civil Liberties president Timothy Roberts claiming excessive use of force.
Smith, who has used boxing for youth outreach for over 30 years, said the challenge was about accountability and raising money for charity. 'I'm the current NSW professional light-heavyweight champion for us over-60s,' he said. 'Tony, I'm ready to rumble. I know you can fight — so let's see if you can take my title. We'll raise money, for Palestine if you're willing. It'll be a war where everyone wins … except that you're going to lose.'
