Professional Boxer. He made history becoming the first Aboriginal boxer to win a world championship, as he was the former WBA World Bantamweight and WBC Bantamweight Champion (1968 to 1969). Born in a poverty-stricken settlement, the oldest of nine children, he took up boxing at the age of ten to escape his environment. Rose, who narrowly missed qualifying for the 1964 Australian Olympic Boxing Team, turned professional at age sixteen and won the Australian Bantamweight Title after defeating Noel Kunde in 1966. In 1968 he captured both the WBA World Bantamweight and the WBC Bantamweight Title after a fifteen-round decision over Japan's Fighting Harada. He added the British Empire belt to his accomplishments in March 1969 before relinquishing his crowns five months later to Ruben Olivares. During the 1970s Rose became a country music recording artist and retired from boxing in 1976 after compiling a 42 win (12 knockout) 11 loss record in 53 bouts. In 2007 Rose suffered a stroke which left him partially paralyzed and affected his speech.
Professional Boxer. He made history becoming the first Aboriginal boxer to win a world championship, as he was the former WBA World Bantamweight and WBC Bantamweight Champion (1968 to 1969). Born in a poverty-stricken settlement, the oldest of nine children, he took up boxing at the age of ten to escape his environment. Rose, who narrowly missed qualifying for the 1964 Australian Olympic Boxing Team, turned professional at age sixteen and won the Australian Bantamweight Title after defeating Noel Kunde in 1966. In 1968 he captured both the WBA World Bantamweight and the WBC Bantamweight Title after a fifteen-round decision over Japan's Fighting Harada. He added the British Empire belt to his accomplishments in March 1969 before relinquishing his crowns five months later to Ruben Olivares. During the 1970s Rose became a country music recording artist and retired from boxing in 1976 after compiling a 42 win (12 knockout) 11 loss record in 53 bouts. In 2007 Rose suffered a stroke which left him partially paralyzed and affected his speech.
Bio by: C.S.
Gravesite Details
16th May 2011 is the interment date
Family Members
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