Mick Dunn (boxer)
{{Short description|Australian boxer (1864–1950)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox boxer|name=Mick Dunn
|image=Mick Dunn.png
|weight=Middleweight
|height={{convert|5|ft|7|in|m|abbr=on}}
|reach={{convert|70|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
|birth_date={{birth date|df=yes|1864|10|20}}
|death_date={{death date and age|df=yes|1950|7|26|1864|10|20}}
|birth_place=Sydney, Australia
|death_place=Sydney, Australia
|total=24
|wins=11
|KO=9
|losses=6
|draws=2
|}}
Mick Dunn (20 October 1864 - 26 July 1950){{cite news | title = Old-Time Fighter Dies| newspaper= The Sun |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =47 | date =27 July 1950| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229622501| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} was an Australian professional boxer who competed from 1890 to 1903 and held the Australian middleweight title twice between 1900 and 1901.
Dunn began boxing in Sydney at the age of fifteen and became a well-known figure in the cities boxing community in his youth, making his professional debut in 1890. In 1893 he traveled to America with a group of Australian boxers and fought matches in the United States and in England before returning to Australia. In 1897 he moved to South Africa briefly fighting one match before returning to Australia.
In 1899 Dunn was billed as the middleweight champion of New South Wales in a match against Jack Conlon who was billed as the middleweight champion of Victoria and after winning he was declared the middleweight champion of Australia. He then lost the title to Otto Cribb in 1900 and won a rematch in 1901 during which he injured his hand. Cribb died in his sleep after the rematch and Dunn was briefly arrested but acquitted of a manslaughter charge. He then retired from boxing due to his hand injury.
In his retirement Dunn became a boxing coach, hosted boxing events, and became a co-owner of the Golden Gate Athletic Hall in Sydney. He briefly came out of retirement in 1903 fighting twice in draws then returned to coaching and serving as a timekeeper and referee for boxing matches into the 1910s.
Biography
=Early career=
Dunn was born in Sydney in 1864{{cite news
| title = What Happened To?| newspaper= The Sun |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =10 | date =6 February 1945| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231701615| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} and began boxing at the age of fifteen.{{cite news
| title = Old-Time Fighter Dies| newspaper= The Sun |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =47 | date =27 July 1950| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229622501| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} By 1890 he had become well-known,{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =31 March 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230609140| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} and in March that year he made his professional debut boxing Dick Sandall at Foley's Athletic Hall in Sydney.{{cite news
| title = Advertising| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =1 | date =28 March 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230622973| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} He led early in the fight but was knocked out by Sandall in the sixth round, with reports noting he seemed inexperienced at boxing and also out of shape.{{cite news
| title = Boxing in Sydney| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, Vic| page =4 | date =2 April 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227928128| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} In June Dunn stated he was eager to fight again,{{cite news
| title = Among the Boxers| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =4 June 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121777884| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} and he sparred with amateurs in four round exhibitions on two boxing programs late in the month.{{cite news
| title = The Ring| newspaper= The Evening News |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =23 June 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/128778085| access-date = 29 June 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = The Goddard-Dooley Contest| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, Vic| page =2 | date =25 June 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227926116| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} One of these spars was noted as being more spirited than a typical exhibition, exciting the crowd significantly.{{cite news
| title = The Giants in the Ring| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =8 | date =25 June 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121777028| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} As of July Dunn was often boxing four round spars to trial applicants who wished to join the Sydney Athletic Club,{{cite news
| title = A Boxing Trial| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =9 July 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121792869| access-date = 29 June 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Items of Sport| newspaper= The Dead Bird |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =12 July 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/207782782| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} with a notable boxer he trialed being Edward 'Starlight' Rollins.{{cite news
| title = Starlight v Dunne| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =9 July 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121792895| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} He had also become an instructor at the club as of July.{{cite news
| title = Among the Boxers| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =16 July 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121785539| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} In September he returned to the ring to box Billy Williams at the Sydney Amateur Gymnastic Club and suffered a second loss, being battered by Williams throughout the fight while struggling to put power into his hits before being knocked unconscious in the fourth round.{{cite news
| title = A Desperate Battle| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =2 | date =17 September 1890| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227472962| access-date = 29 June 2020 }}
In early 1891 Dunn continued fighting four round exhibitions,{{cite news
| title = Advertising| newspaper= The Morning Bulletin |via=Trove|location=Rockhampton, Qld| page =1 | date =10 January 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52341194| access-date = 29 June 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = The Ring| newspaper= Australian Town and Country Journal |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =37 | date =14 February 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71249224| access-date = 29 June 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = The Coogee Battle Ground| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =4 March 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121790177| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} served as a cornerman for other boxers during fights,{{cite news
| title = Pugilism| newspaper= The Telegraph |via=Trove|location=Brisbane, Qld| page =5 | date =17 March 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/172648130| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} and continued boxing for club trials.{{cite news
| title = The Ring| newspaper= The Evening News |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =20 March 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114313200| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} In late March he had his first win when he boxed Pablo Fanque and beat him in the first round with many hits to the face.{{cite news
| title = The Napier-Powell Fight| newspaper= The Evening News |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =31 March 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114309992| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} In May his younger brother, Joe, began sparring at the Golden Gate Athletic Club.{{cite news
| title = The Golden Gate Tournament| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =14 May 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228177474| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} In August Dunn boxed Jack Perry in Orange and dominated by winning in about half a round,{{cite news
| title = Boxing at Orange| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =15 August 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227241087| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} although one critics review of the fight attributed the win to Perry's incompetence describing Dunn as a "third rater".{{cite news
| title = Sporting Notes| newspaper= The Port Pirie Standard and Barrier Advertiser|location=Port Pirie, SA| page =3 | date =20 August 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196807702| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} In October 1891 he was accused of being used as hired muscle by the overseer of Toorale Station to rough up workers, but he denied the accusation which was retracted.{{cite news
| title = The Byrock Riots| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =5 | date =10 October 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227256979| access-date = 29 June 2020 }} In November Dunn fought Pat O'Toole in a full match knocking him down in the ninth round after which O'Toole resigned.{{cite news
| title = Mick Dunn Defeats O'Toole| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =2 December 1891| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120648563| access-date = 29 June 2020 }}
In early 1892 Dunn boxed some four round spars with Joe Pablo on the card of full fights.{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =5 | date =20 February 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229574596| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Murphy v Barron| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =16 February 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229597219| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In late February Dunn was booked to box Herbert Sinnott of Victoria, but Sinnott did not show for the fight,{{cite news
| title = Sydney Athletics| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, Vic| page =2 | date =1 March 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227702576| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and was accused of only challenging Dunn in order to gain media attention.{{cite news
| title = MICK DUNNE v HERB. SINNOTT.| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =2 | date =2 March 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121786436| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} They met a few days after the fight was supposed to have happened and rescheduled.{{cite news
| title = Sydney Athletics| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, Vic| page =2 | date =8 March 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227690734| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} Coverage ahead of the fight noted that Dunn was the favorite, but it was also suggested that his skills were on the decline and that he had never shown his full potential in the ring.{{cite news
| title = Mick Dunne and Herb Sinnott| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =16 March 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120649454| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} They finally fought at the end of March in front of a crowd of 500 at the California Athletic Club and Sinnott collapsed in the tenth round for no apparent reason and was counted out, which he explained as being due to a hit paralyzing his arm while Dunn suggested that a hit to the body had hurt him.{{cite news
| title = Middle-Weights Meet| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =30 March 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229575574| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In August 1892 Dunn visited Queensland with some other boxers and they fought exhibition matches in Rockhampton with Dunn being described as the most active boxer to have visited the city.{{cite news
| title = Among the Boxers| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =3 August 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121787447| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} By late September he had returned to Sydney and in an interview described his trip as "splendid", although he did not enjoy travelling by horseback which was required in parts of Queensland.{{cite news
| title = Among the Boxers| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =21 September 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121788807| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
In October 1892 Dunn fought a four-round spar on the card of a fight between Dan Creedon and Jim Ryan and challenged the winner of the headline fight,{{cite news
| title = Exciting Glove Fight| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =8 | date =12 October 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227286901| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and he was booked to fight the winner, Creedon, later in the month.{{cite news
| title = Among the Boxers| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =26 October 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120648371| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} Creedon was described as the best middleweight in Australia ahead of the fight and the harder hitter,{{cite news
| title = Boxing News| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =7 November 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227282592| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and a report shortly before the match was to take place described it as being for the middle-weight championship for Australia, with Creedon being the best middle-weight in Victoria and Dunn being the best middle-weight in New South Wales, arguing the title had never been clearly defined prior.{{cite news
| title = Boxing: The Middle-Weight Championship| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =11 | date =12 November 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227291690| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} The fight took place at Darlinghurst Hall and Creedon was seven pounds heavier than Dunn at the weigh-in and over the middleweight limit. Dunn wanted to cancel the fight, however Creedon convinced him to proceed for the sake of the spectators by admitting he was at fault and negotiating to half the gate takings between them rather than the winner taking seventy-five percent. Dunn was knocked down in the second round for ten seconds and although he wanted to fight on his seconds forced him to concede by taking his gloves from him.{{cite news
| title = Short and Sharp| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =8 | date =16 November 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227285568| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In December a benefit night of boxing was held for Dunn at the Golden Gate club.{{cite news
| title = Benefit to Mick Dunne| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =7 December 1892| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120647986| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
=Boxing abroad=
In March 1893 Dunn sailed to America on the Mariposa along with fellow Australian boxers, Jim Burge and Hughie Napier, hoping to advance their careers in the United States. A report suggested he would struggle to find opponents unless he lost a few pounds.{{cite news
| title = An Exodus| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =22 March 1893| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120503609| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} As of May it was reported he had settled in America but had been unable to begin boxing,{{cite news
| title = All the Sports in America| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =30 May 1893| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227692358| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} but in June he secured a match against Frank Purcell at a new club in Reno, Nevada.{{cite news
| title = Our American Letter: Mick Dunne Gets a Fight| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =21 June 1893| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120506627| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} A report suggested if he lost to Purcell he should return to Australia,{{cite news
| title = Our American News Budget| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =11 July 1893| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227703458| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} although when they fought in July Dunn won easily.{{cite news
| title = Another American News Budget| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =25 July 1893| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227694492| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
In February 1894 it was reported that the arrival of Dunn and his fellow Australians on the American boxing scene had caused a stir,{{cite news
| title = Mixed Items| newspaper= The Australasian|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =17 | date =10 February 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/138113718| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and that month Dunn, Burge, and Napier, sailed to England and stayed in London where they met with the manager of the National Sporting Club hoping to be able to fight during their visit.{{cite news
| title = Three Australian Boxers| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =14 February 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120510519| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} Dunn sparred with Jack Welland of Hackney for about six rounds at the Kennington Social Club in England,{{cite news
| title = Athletic Doings| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =10 April 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227721255| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} with one report stating he gave a poor showing,{{cite news
| title = Our London Letter| newspaper= The Advertiser |via=Trove|location=Adelaide, SA| page =6 | date =13 April 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227721255| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} as he lost on points in six rounds.{{cite news
| title = Mick Dunn Whipped| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =18 April 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120513952| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} By May Burge and Napier had returned to Australia but Dunn was still in London,{{cite news
| title = Martin Denny Matched with Stanton Abbott| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =8 May 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227709024| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} but as of July Dunn had returned to America where that month he refused a match against Dick O'Brien which would have taken place in Providence.{{cite news
| title = Our American Letter| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =31 July 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227724142| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
By August 1894 Dunn was working as a trainer for the Australian boxer Young Griffo and seconded him in matches throughout September and into October.{{cite news
| title = Our American Letter| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =7 August 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227720020| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Great Boxing Match| newspaper= The Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette|location=Cue, WA| page =3 | date =5 September 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/233228010| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Our American Letter| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =16 October 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227710446| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} He sparred with Griffo for six rounds ahead of a match between Griffo and Stanton Abbott in New Orleans in September which was described as being better than the actual fight itself.{{cite news
| title = Among the Boxers| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =21 November 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120503989| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In November Dunn boxed on the same card as Griffo beating Jim Butler, with a report on the match commenting that Butler "never should have put on boxing gloves."{{cite news
| title = Australians in America| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =7 November 1894| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120509061| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} He continued to box into 1895 and in June he was defeated by Barbados boxer Joe Walcott in eight rounds, with a report suggesting that police interference had been the only thing preventing Dunn from being knocked out.{{cite news
| title = Our American Budget| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =18 June 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227713339| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
=Return to Australia=
In October 1895 Dunn arrived back in Australia having returned via London and was placed under quarantine.{{cite news
| title = Lillie Bridge Combined Handicap| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =30 October 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121356938| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} A report soon after his arrival noted his time abroad had not advanced his career and he had found it difficult to secure matches and noted he had been cut adrift by Griffo before returning, with Dunn describing him as an "erratic and ungrateful feather."{{cite news
| title = The Boxers| newspaper= The Bird O'Freedom |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =2 November 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/207806786| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} Early in November Bill Jennings challenged him to a fight,{{cite news
| title = Jennings to Dunn| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =13 November 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121358228| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and he gave an extensive interview on his time abroad later in the month.{{cite news
| title = Back From America| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =20 November 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121355730/13166343| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In late November he was attacked by a mob with one person attempting to bite his nose off as he was accused of causing an injury, however a media report expressed doubt he was at fault and described him as "extremely well-behaved" and a "most inoffensive fellow".{{cite news
| title = The Boxers| newspaper= The Bird O'Freedom |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =30 November 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/207810235| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In December Bill Jennings and newcomer to boxing Tom Meadham expressed a desire to box Dunn,{{cite news
| title = The Boxers| newspaper= The Bird O'Freedom |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =7 December 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/207806748| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Bill Jennings Want a Go| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =18 December 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121354601| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} but he did not feel there was any reason to be active in the boxing business at the time.{{cite news
| title = The Boxers| newspaper= The Bird O'Freedom |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =12 | date =21 December 1895| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/207808796| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
In February 1896 Bill Jennings trainer visited Sydney to try and book a match with Dunn,{{cite news
| title = Latest Melbourne Boxing| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =12 February 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121535079| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} as Jennings was considered middleweight champion of Victoria and felt defeating Dunn would render him middleweight champion of Australia,{{cite news
| title = The Boxers| newspaper= The Bird O'Freedom |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =15 February 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/207810178| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} however a match was not booked and in March Dunn moved to Coolgardie in order to box in Western Australia,{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =9 March 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231656683| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and shortly after arriving it was suggested he could fight a trained boxing kangaroo which was in the town.{{cite news
| title = Things in General| newspaper= Coolgardie Mining Review |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =8 | date =2 May 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232725018| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} He was to box Harry Duggan in Western Australia however the booking fell through as Duggan pulled out at the last minute, so Dunn participated in a boxing exhibition in a tent with some other boxers which did not make much money and left Perth in May.{{cite news
| title = Westward Ho!| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =5 May 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227709292| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} Later in May he sent a letter to someone he knew in New York requesting transportation expenses to move back to the U.S. as a new boxing arena had been built in New York City,{{cite news
| title = Our American Letter| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =19 May 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227715374| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and it was also rumored he was going to move to Derry in Ireland to train for the Derry football team,{{cite news
| title = Personal Pars.| newspaper= Coolgardie Mining Review |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =13 | date =23 May 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232725171| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} but at the end of the month he announced he was willing to box anyone in Coolgardie and re-entered the ring, sparring on a Coolgardie Boxing Carnival program in June.{{cite news
| title = Mick Dunn in Coolgardie| newspaper= Coolgardie Mining Review |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =16 | date =30 May 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232725203| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Advertising| newspaper= Coolgardie Mining Review |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =4 | date =13 June 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/216672209| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} Also in June he began playing for the Londonderry Football team which was a Western Australian-based side, not the Irish side as rumored,{{cite news
| title = Boxing Briquets| newspaper= Truth |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =14 June 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169752851| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and trained Western Australian based boxer Pat O'Toole.{{cite news
| title = Athletic Carnival at the Theatre Royal| newspaper= Coolgardie Miner |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =2 | date =15 June 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/216672267| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
As of July 1896 Dunn was advertising his services as a boxing instructor in Coolgardie,{{cite news
| title = Advertising| newspaper= Coolgardie Miner |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =5 | date =15 July 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/216673819| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and he continued fighting four round exhibition spars on cards into August.{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= Coolgardie Miner |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =5 | date =3 August 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/216674774| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} He fought a full six round contest against Mick McInerney in October and was described as thoroughly outclassing McInerney in a "tame affair."{{cite news
| title = All Round Sport| newspaper= Coolgardie Mining Review |via=Trove|location=Coolgardie, WA| page =16 | date =17 October 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232726311| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In November Dunn returned to Sydney and after arriving gave an interview in which he criticized the way the boxing business was run in Coolgardie although he did say police opposition to the sport was not as bad as rumored. In the interview he also mentioned he was planning on moving to Africa.{{cite news
| title = Chat With Mick Dunn| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =18 November 1896| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121517906| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
=Sojourn in South Africa and Training Boxers=
On 1 January 1897, Dunn sailed for South Africa on the Australasian hoping to make money fighting middle-weights in Johannesburg.{{cite news
| title = Boxing Mems.| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =6 January 1897| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121521918| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} By April he had settled in Johannesburg and a report described him as a "quiet inoffensive man" who was "much liked".{{cite news
| title = What Australians Are Doing in South Africa| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =2 | date =20 April 1897| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227732631| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In August he was finally scheduled to fight Bill Edwards who was the favorite ahead of the match.{{cite news
| title = Boxers in South Africa| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =8 September 1897| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121534134| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} Edwards won,{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =6 October 1897| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121536638| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} although a report noted he did not draw blood or knock skin off of Dunn.{{cite news
| title = Boxing in South Africa| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =17 November 1897| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121518766| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In October Dunn arrived back in Sydney from South Africa.{{cite news
| title = Mick Dunn in Sydney| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =13 October 1897| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121519336| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
As of March 1898 Dunn had rented a room on Truth Lane off King Street in Sydney where he began training boxers and hosting free sparring contests,{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =9 March 1898| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121514972| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and by July he had a large number of students.{{cite news
| title = Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =27 July 1898| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121516611| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} By October Dunn had moved to rooms at Bank Court, and one of his exhibitions held that month had a good crowd in attendance and Dunn himself fought a short bout.{{cite news
| title = At Mick Dunn's| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =5 October 1898| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121535159| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} On New Year's Eve 1898 an exhibition at Dunn's rooms had good attendance despite competing with several other events.{{cite news
| title = Last Night's Boxing: At Mick Dunn's| newspaper= Sunday Times |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =1 January 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127374212| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
In March 1899 Mick Nathan, a Victorian boxer, challenged Dunn to a match but Dunn felt the amount offered was too low.{{cite news
| title =Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =29 March 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121821257| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} In June it was rumored that Dunn would fight Jack Conlon,{{cite news
| title =Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =7 June 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121795473| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and it was booked towards the end of the month and billed as being for the Middleweight Championship of New South Wales.{{cite news
| title =Sporting Notes| newspaper= The Armidale Chronicle |via=Trove|location=Armidale, NSW| page =3 | date =28 June 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188374997| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} They finally fought in August however the police interrupted the program and it was cancelled, with both fighters having to appear in Court,{{cite news
| title =Boxing in Sydney| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =3 | date =15 August 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228147437| access-date = 5 July 2020 }} and as Dunn and Conlon had personally funded the advertising and hiring of the hall a benefit program to reimburse them was organized.{{cite news
| title =Last Night's Boxing| newspaper= Sunday Times |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =13 August 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127384088| access-date = 5 July 2020 }}
=Middle-weight championship=
In October 1899 the match between Conlon and Dunn was reorganized,{{cite news
| title =The Middle-Weight Championship| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =6 | date =4 October 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121815502| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} and Dunn won the match easily,{{cite news
| title =Boxing| newspaper= The Evening News |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =2 | date =12 October 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/113698007| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} with a report noting Conlon seemed to be undertrained.{{cite news
| title =Boxing| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =2 | date =12 October 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228748934| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} The match was billed as being for the middle-weight championship of New South Wales resulting in Dunn being announced as the Middle-Weight champion of the state after winning.{{cite news
| title =Athletics| newspaper= The Daily Telegraph |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =8 | date =13 October 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/237184330| access-date = 28 April 2022 }}
Dunn continued training boxers after becoming champion. He next aimed to return to the ring to defend the middle-weight championship of New South Wales in February 1900 with arrangements being made for a match between him and Tim Murphy,{{cite news
| title =Boxing in Sydney| newspaper= Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =3 | date =6 February 1899| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228155410| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} however the match was cancelled when Murphy moved to the United States later in the month.{{cite news
| title =Boxing in Sydney| newspaper= Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =3 | date =13 February 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228144132| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} In late February he sparred on the program of a benefit for Hughie Napier.{{cite news
| title =Boxing| newspaper= The Daily Telegraph |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =10 | date =21 February 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/237165405| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} In April 1900 Dunn arranged a match against Melbourne boxer Fred Preston however on the night of the match both boxers refused to enter the ring as they felt the attendance was too small resulting in the venue banning both of them from ever having a match at it again.{{cite news
| title =Boxing| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =18 April 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229367606| access-date = 28 April 2022 }}
In July 1900 Dunn traveled to Melbourne to box Fred Preston,{{cite news
| title =Fred Preston and Mick Dunn| newspaper= Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =3 | date =10 July 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228144561| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} and the fight was billed as being between Dunn as the New South Wales middle-weight champion and Preston as the Victorian champion.{{cite news
| title =Boxing| newspaper= The Argus |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =8 | date =12 July 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9547902| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} Dunn beat Preston easily with reports describing the match as disappointing due to Preston not challenging him.{{cite news
| title =Melbourne Boxing: Dunn Stops Preston| newspaper= Referee |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =7 | date =18 July 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121801324| access-date = 28 April 2022 }}{{cite news
| title =The Preston-Dunn Affair| newspaper= Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =25 July 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121816612| access-date = 28 April 2022 }}
In September 1900 Dunn met with Otto Cribb to organize a match,{{cite news
| title =Boxing in Sydney| newspaper= Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Melbourne, VIC| page =3 | date =4 September 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228162198| access-date = 28 April 2022 }} and later in the month a match was announced which was billed as being for the Australian middleweight championship.{{cite news
| title = The Middleweight Championship| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =19 September 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121798313| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} Dunn and Cribb fought in October to a crowd estimated to be 1,500 strong{{cite news
| title = Cribb and Dunn| newspaper= The Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =8 | date =2 October 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228144040| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} and the fight was reported as being exciting with Dunn knocking Cribb's false teeth out of his mouth with a lefthanded punch,{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= Kalgoorlie Miner |via=Trove|location=Karlgoorlie, WA| page =8 | date =8 November 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88493675| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} and Cribb knocking Dunn out in the eighth round to secure the championship.{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The Evening News |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =2 | date =2 October 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114013912| access-date = 17 June 2020 }}
After the loss Cribb agreed to fight a rematch against Dunn however later in October Cribb left the country to pursue boxing in the United States leaving Dunn disappointed.{{cite news
| title = Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =24 October 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121802497| access-date = 17 June 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Off to America| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =24 October 1900| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121802559| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} Dunn did not pursue a return to the ring until mid 1901 when Cribb returned to Australia immediately approaching him to organize the re-match after hearing of his arrival.{{cite news
| title = Dunn and Cribb| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =5 June 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121801433| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} They boxed on 22 July 1901, and Dunn knocked Cribb out in the ninth round with a blow to the forehead and an uppercut to the jaw and the shook hands after the fight.{{cite news
| title = Death of Otto Cribb| newspaper= The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate |via=Trove|location=Parramatta, NSW| page =2 | date =24 July 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/85828138| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} Dunn sustained a serious hand injury during the fight,{{cite news
| title = Sturgeon's Challenge| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =9 October 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120640426| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} and Cribb died in his sleep on 23 July 1901.
After Cribb's death Dunn was interviewed by the press and expressed that he did not have any ill feelings towards Cribb, had not intended to hurt him, and that he had intended to retire after their first match only remaining active in order to have a rematch with Cribb.{{cite news
| title = Sporting Notes| newspaper= Wellington Times |via=Trove|location=Wellington, NSW| page =2 | date =1 August 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/138976884| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} The same month as Cribb's death Dunn was arrested alongside the referee and timekeeper of the match as well as Cribb's trainer and charged with being responsible for Cribbs death,{{cite news
| title = Death of a Boxing Man| newspaper= Goulburn Herald |via=Trove|location=Goulburn, NSW| page =4 | date =24 July 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/100410660| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} shortly after it was determined that Cribb had died due to a hemorrhage on the surface of the brain caused by a concussion and had also suffered internal injuries.{{cite news
| title = The Boxing Fatality| newspaper= The Advertiser |via=Trove|location=Adelaide, SA| page =5 | date =25 July 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4848908| access-date = 17 June 2020 }}{{cite news
| title = Another Arrest| newspaper= The Evening News |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =3 | date =24 July 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114027391| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} The arrests were criticized in the media,{{cite news
| title = The Late Otto Cribb| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =5 | date =25 July 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228289162| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} and Cribb's death was officially ruled an accident on 26 July 1901.{{cite news
| title = Accidental Death| newspaper= Examiner |via=Trove|location=Launceston, Tas| page =6 | date =26 July 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91656635| access-date = 17 June 2020 }} In August a benefit was organized to raise funds to pay for the legal defense of Dunn and the other officials which raised 50 pounds.{{cite news
| title = The Cribb-Dunn Fight - In Aid of the Defence Fund| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =28 August 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120639380| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} Dunn and the others were acquitted of a charge of manslaughter in October 1901.{{cite news
| title = The Dunn-Cribb Fight| newspaper= Barrier Miner |via=Trove|location=Broken Hill, NSW| page =2 | date =4 October 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/44316744| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} A report of the hearing noted that the prosecution legal team did not seem to have any enthusiasm in presenting its evidence.{{cite news
| title = Otto Cribb's Death| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =9 October 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120640348| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
Shortly after Dunn's acquittal Snowy Sturgeon challenged him to box for the middleweight title and Dunn noted that his hand was still seriously injured but that once it had healed he would box Sturgeon, later announcing that it would be his last ever match if he lost.{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The W.A. Sportsman|location=Karlgoorlie, WA| page =3 | date =26 October 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/260882145| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} In December 1901 he announced his retirement from boxing without fighting Sturgeon due to his hand remaining severely injured and he stated he was going to continue coaching boxers.{{cite news
| title = Mick Dunn Will Fight No More| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =11 December 1901| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120642188| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
=First retirement and return=
After retiring Dunn coached from rooms he had on King Street in Sydney.{{cite news
| title = Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =21 May 1902| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120121630| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} He was rendered bed ridden by a flu in September 1902.{{cite news
| title = Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =3 September 1902| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120116692| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} Later in the year he briefly visited the United States where he helped train Dan Creedon for a match he fought in New Orleans.{{cite news
| title = Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =17 September 1902| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120120937| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} In 1903 he begin fighting in sparring sessions which became well attended by spectators,{{cite news
| title = Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =27 May 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120668124| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} and began chairing regular boxing programmes at the Golden Gate Athletic Hall.{{cite news
| title = At the Golden Gate| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =2 | date =22 June 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228533066| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}{{cite news
| title = Boxers and Their Doings| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =8 July 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120659647| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} As of July 1903, he had become a co-owner of the Golden Gate Athletic Hall.{{cite news
| title = Golden Gate Club| newspaper= Sydney Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Surry Hills, NSW| page =7 | date =15 July 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/167255172| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
In August 1903 Dunn came out of retirement with a six-round match between him and Jim Scanlan being arranged at the Golden Gate Hall.{{cite news
| title = Boxing| newspaper= The Evening News |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =5 | date =8 August 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115857281| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} The boxing style in the match was described as scientific and it was declared a draw.{{cite news
| title = Dunn v Scanlan| newspaper= The Australian Star |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =5 | date =10 August 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228607465| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} He fought another six-round match against George Johns in September which was described as an "fine exhibition of boxing skill" with the crowd applauding after each round. The match was also ruled a draw which reportedly resulted in the crowd being amused.{{cite news
| title = Golden Gate| newspaper= Sunday Times |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =8 | date =13 September 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126447519| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
Dunn arranged another match in October 1903 against Billy McCall, however McCall did not show on the night due to last minute business commitments. Dunn announced to the crowd at the fight that he would box anyone and ended up fighting an exhibition against Jim Barron.{{cite news
| title = Golden Gate Club| newspaper= Sydney Sportsman |via=Trove|location=Surry Hills, NSW| page =6 | date =21 October 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/167263624| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
=Retirement=
In November 1903 Dunn began serving as a timekeeper for matches at the Golden Gate Hall,{{cite news
| title = Golden Gate Club| newspaper= The Referee |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =7 | date =25 November 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/120666557| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} and as of December he was also serving as a referee for matches.{{cite news
| title = Golden Gate Hall| newspaper= Sunday Times |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =8 | date =25 November 1903| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126449759| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} He continued serving as a referee until at least 1919.{{cite news
| title = Olympia Boxing| newspaper= The Newcastle Sun |via=Trove|location=Newcastle, NSW| page =5 | date =15 March 1919| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/159363761| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
Dunn continued to coach well after his retirement and was highly respected with a media report recommending boxers train under him due to his "scientific" knowledge of the sport in 1929.{{cite news
| title = Sporting News| newspaper= The Sun |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =10 | date =31 October 1929| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223501885| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
As of 1945 Dunn was living in northern Sydney and was in poor health, rarely leaving his home.{{cite news
| title = What's Happened To? Mick Dunn| newspaper= The Sun |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =10 | date =6 February 1945| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231701615| access-date = 30 November 2022 }} He died in Sydney in 1950 at the age of eighty-five.{{cite news
| title = Old-Time Fighter Dies| newspaper= The Sun |via=Trove|location=Sydney, NSW| page =10 | date =27 July 1950| url = https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229622501| access-date = 30 November 2022 }}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/152356 Mick Dunn at BoxRec]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dunn, Mick}}
Category:Australian male boxers