Cashed-up Choc ‘not about money’

ANTHONY Mundine was in vintage form ahead of tonight’s world title defence in Sydney, arriving at the weigh-in in his jet black Hummer and brandishing a fistful of dollars before declaring he’s “not about the money”.

Mundine, 32, will make his comeback against Argentine Jose Alberto Clavero, the 15th-ranked challenger whose recent record makes for poor reading — four losses, a draw and two wins from his past seven fights.

On paper the WBA super middleweight showdown is a gross mismatch, although that’s no great surprise as Mundine will be defending his crown for the first time since a serious eye infection jeopardised his career.

Mundine admits he knows little about Clavero, at one stage calling him Pablo yesterday, and bookmakers have given the Argentine no hope whatsoever, listing him at $8 to the Australian’s $1.05.

Having emerged from his monstrous vehicle wearing shorts, T-shirt and baseball cap, Mundine then produced an enormous wad of crisp, new hundred dollar notes in an apparent message about Aboriginal’s ability to make money.

“They’re saying I’m getting punch drunk. What they really can’t stand is this success,” he said, fanning his face with around $15,000 in cash.

“A black Aboriginal man making money. It’s a hot day, sometimes I need two of these.

“I’m not really about the money, I’m not about the flash.

“We can make money. I’m talking about my people. My Aboriginal people.”

Despite having almost six months without a fight, Mundine has remained in the headlines, recently criticising Cathy Freeman for being too commercial.

In Mundine’s view, critics are trying to ensure he loses.

“I know what kind of man I am and the dignity I have,” he said.

“(Freeman’s) my sister and I wish her the best.”

Clavero, who has won 27 of his 33 fights overall, had some barbs of his own for Mundine.

“He’s a good boxer but I’m not worried,” he said.

“I’ve brought an empty bag with me just for the belt.”