Anglican priest and Australia’s oldest boxer fights on Saturday‘Punching Priest’, 61, is bankrupt and looking to keep charities alive
Australia’s oldest registered professional boxer has fallen on hard times and been drawn back to the ring at the grand age of 61. But ‘Punching Priest’ Father Dave Smith isn’t seeking sympathy, just support, as he strives to rebuild his life and retain the identity he holds so dear.
A three-time Australian of the Year nominee, Father Dave is legendary for his work with at-risk children during a 31-year stint as parish priest for Holy Trinity in Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s inner-west. But now he’s broke and unemployed after being forced to resign following a marriage breakdown that has left the fighting father of four needing to resurrect his boxing career to keep his charities going.
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