Australian boxing champion and one time pop-star Lionel Rose will receive a State funeral from the Victorian Government.
Rose, who died on Sunday night, will be farewelled by the State of Victoria with a funeral that will be held within the next week.
Lionel’s family took up the offer of the state funeral to allow his fans to say farewell.
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu offered the family the state funeral. “He made an extraordinary contribution to sport and Victoria and I will be offering the family a state funeral,” the Premier said.
“Lionel Rose was a special character in sport in Australia and anybody that remembers that 1968 event remembers how exciting it was and what a figurehead Lionel Rose was for sport for the Aboriginal community and Victoria,” said Mr Bailleau.
Lionel Rose also graced to pop chart in 1970 with his hit song ‘I Thank You’.
VIDEO: Lionel Rose 'I Thank You':
