Anglican Priest and Boxing Champion Renews Public Challenge to Former PM Tony Abbott
Father Dave Smith, an Anglican priest who also holds the title of NSW over-60s professional light-heavyweight boxing champion, has reignited his public challenge to former prime minister Tony Abbott. This renewed call to action comes in direct response to Abbott's recent public praise of police actions during a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney.
Video Challenge Ties Boxing Match to Political Commentary
On Thursday, Father Smith released an 80-second video explicitly calling on Abbott to "step into the ring." The Sydney-based priest, who has been nominated three times for Australian of the Year and works extensively with youth, addressed Abbott's previous refusal to accept the challenge. Abbott had initially declined, citing concerns about appearing as a "thug" for "beating up an old priest."
"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," Father Smith stated in the video. "But I think that horse bolted when you applauded the police who attacked peaceful demonstrators. I was there. It wasn't pretty."
Rally Context and Police Response Controversy
The rally in question took place outside Sydney Town Hall on February 10, with an estimated 30,000 attendees protesting Israeli Prime Minister Isaac Herzog's tour of Australia. Among those present were NSW Greens representatives Sue Higginson, Jenny Leong, and Abigail Boyd.
Footage from the event showed police arresting dozens of participants. Multiple sources, including Greens NSW MPs, rally organizer Joshua Lees, and NSW Council of Civil Liberties president Timothy Roberts, have characterized the police response as an excessive use of force. This context forms the backdrop to Abbott's comments that prompted Father Smith's renewed challenge.
Charity Focus and Boxing Credentials
Father Smith emphasized that his challenge isn't rooted in hostility but rather in accountability and charitable fundraising. With over three decades of experience using boxing as a tool for youth outreach and community building, he framed the potential match as an opportunity to raise money, specifically suggesting funds could go "for Palestine if you're willing."
The priest also displayed confidence in his athletic abilities, directly addressing concerns about physical risk. "I'm the current NSW professional light-heavyweight champion for us over-60s," he declared. "How much damage do you really think you can do to me?"
Final Call to Action with a Punchline
The video concludes with a pointed invitation that blends challenge with charity. "Tony, I'm ready to rumble. I know you can fight — so let's see if you can take my title," Father Smith challenged. "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."
This renewed challenge places Abbott in a unique position, forcing him to respond not just to a sporting proposition but to broader questions about political commentary and public accountability. The intersection of faith, sport, and politics creates a compelling narrative that continues to capture public attention.
