Anthony Mundine and Billy Dib in awe of Christchurch massacre survivors and Kiwi kindness

They’ve endured hundreds of hours of physical punishment to become boxing world champions, but nothing prepared Anthony Mundine and Billy Dib for what they saw in Christchurch Hospital’s emergency ward.

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They’ve made their living getting punched in the face and liver, endured hundreds of hours of physical punishment to become boxing world champions, but nothing prepared Anthony Mundine and Billy Dib for this level of toughness.

Sitting in Christchurch Hospital’s emergency ward, the pair spoke with terror attack survivor Ziyaad Shah.

“What he told us will live with me forever,” Mundine said.

“He got shot three times, but he couldn’t make a move or a sound because he could still feel the gunman walking around shooting everyone who was lying on the ground.

“He was bleeding, in agony from his gunshot wounds, but he had to find the strength to stay still.

“He had to play dead. He said, ‘From that moment, I didn’t know whether I was going to live or die, I left my trust in Allah’.”

Dib added: “He was next to another guy, they were both shot, they pulled tight on each other surrounded by bloodied bodies and played dead, and they both managed to survive.

Former Australian professional boxer Anthony Mundine receives a hug from a member of the Tu Tangata Iwi Tapu motorcycle club. Picture: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

“It’s amazing. We met another guy who lay on top of a child, shielding them from the gunman, and he got shot four times protecting this kid. Thankfully he is also alive.

“We’ve met people who have lost their children, and the calmness on their face is incredible, they accepted it was their child’s time to go.”

The two boxers and Dib’s brother Emaid Dib made the trek to Christchurch to support fellow Muslims and attend the Friday prayers and mass burials.

The trio have been astounded by the kindness of Kiwis.

“From the moment we arrived at the airport we’ve been shown amazing hospitality,” Emaid Dib said.

“I can’t speak highly enough of New Zealanders and the way they’ve reacted to last week’s attack.

“We go into stores and people won’t let us pay. At the airport they asked us to come straight through and gave us an escort to the car so we were safe.

Anthony Mundine joins Muslims for the call to pray at Hagley Park, opposite the Al Noor Mosque, in Christchurch. Picture: AAP Image/SNPA, Martin Hunter

Australian boxer Anthony Mundine (right) joins Muslims for the call to pray at Hagley Park. Picture: AAP Image/SNPA, Martin Hunter

“We were at the crisis centre and people were constantly bringing food; one lady flew from Auckland, dropped off food, and flew back.”

Billy Dib was equally inspired.

“I have never seen this kind of love and compassion in my life,” he said.

“We came here because it’s an obligation for us to help our fellow Muslims in times of need. The survivors we’ve met have been so happy to see us but we are the lucky ones to see their courage.”

Mundine said his perception on life has forever been changed.

“You complain about life and then you come here and it puts it all in perspective; this trip has taught me to feel grateful for things that you forget about in every day life; I have limbs, I can walk, I can breathe,” Mundine said.

“I am very grateful for these things.”