Jessica Mauboy Dragged Into Mundine's National Anthem Stoush With Fox Sports

Fox Sports have been forced to defend the decision for Jessica Mauboy to perform the Australian national anthem at this week's highly anticipated boxing rematch between Anthony Mundine and Danny Green, after 'The Man' announced he will protest the anthem come Friday night.

As News.com.au reports, Mundine said he will not stand or sing Advance Australia Fair before the fight.

"I don’t think it's right," Mundine said on Monday.

"I don’t think it's just for my people… so I would not like to see it played.

"I'm a man who stands against wrongs and that's a big wrong in our country and I can't stand for something I don’t believe in."

The rugby league player-turned-boxer added he was "surprised" to see that Mauboy accepted the gig.

"That surprised me… but I can't talk for Jess," Mundine said.

"She might not have researched or know the actual facts around the anthem. If she wants to do that, that's on her, but I want to educate black and white people."

Fox Sports’ Steve Crawley slammed comments by Mundine that Mauboy was only chosen to sing the anthem because she is indigenous.

"We picked Jessica Mauboy because… she's such a magic talent," Crawley said.

"It had nothing to do with her being indigenous.

"Jess has been great — she's going to go through and do it. We won't let her or the fans down."

Mauboy's reps declined to comment when contacted by The Music.