First Nations artists design national boxing uniforms

The designs will be worn during competitions and at the Olympics.

Boxing team designs.

The designs will be worn by the Australian boxing team during competitions and at the Olympics. Source: Instagram: Paul Fleming

The Australian boxing team will soon be sporting some deadly designs, with former First Nations Olympians Paul Fleming and Brad Hore creating artworks for the competing uniforms. 

Wakka Wakka Wanyurr Majay Yuggera man Paul Fleming said the inspiration for his artworks comes from the accepting environment he enjoyed in that community.

"It's about walking together no matter where we're from," he told NITV News.

"With boxing... I felt accepted and that it was a place I could be myself. I've made lifelong friends out of boxing that are all races, nationalities, religions, sexualities.

"So I'm lucky that boxing really opened my eyes."

Mr Fleming, who fought featherweight at the 2008 Olympics, said he was a latecomer to practicing design, but that it came in handy at a crossroads in his life. 

"Art wasn't on my radar until it was," he said.
Paul fleming raises a fist
Paul Fleming was undefeated during his career, with 28 wins and one draw. Source: Supplied: Boxing Australia
"I went through a rough patch, and it appeared out of nowhere.

"I was working at a school at the time, and started doing art with the kids, and I really connected with a few of them and went from there."

In a release, Boxing Australia said the artworks have been incorporated into the red and blue competition singlets and shorts that will be used in international competitions by Australian Boxing Teams.

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2 min read
Published 3 May 2022 4:03pm
Updated 3 May 2022 4:07pm
By Dan Butler
Source: NITV News


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