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Coat of arms - The kangaroo is as Australian as it gets. The marsupial achieved official recognition with its inclusion on Australia’s coat of arms in 1908.

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Duke it out - Kangaroos are notorious for fighting amongst themselves.

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Fighting - Things can get downright deadly when male kangaroos fight over mating rights.

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Deadly - With their gigantic feet, these marsupials can deliver kicks that can crush bone, and can ultimately kill their opponents.

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History - Did you know that kangaroos were exploited in circuses and shows as far back as 1981?

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Boxing ring - The animals were put into boxing rings, and made to fight men for entertainment.

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Big shows - Boxing kangaroos were major attractions for travelling road shows, drawing huge crowds.

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Big event - In 1933, the heavyweight boxing champion Primo Carnera, also known as "Ambling Alp", fought with Jo-Jo the Kangaroo in Atlantic City, USA, in front of thousands of people.

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Break out - Due to the popularity of the "sport", some kangaroos became quite famous.

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Popular - The craze became an international sensation, with kangaroo boxing taking place in numerous theatres. Exhibitions were held across Australia, UK, and the US.

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Jack - The Melbourne kangaroo, Jack, became the face of Australian boxing.

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Cultural - Soon, the Boxing Kangaroo became an Australian icon. It was even painted on the sides of Australian aircrafts and ships in World War II.

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Films - Boxing kangaroos were immortalised in animations such as 'The Flintstones', 'Looney Tunes', and 'The Simpsons'.

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'Matilda' - Numerous kangaroo boxing scenes were included in the movie 'Matilda' (1978).

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Losing its audience - Luckily, between the end of the 1890s and the early 1900s, the public began to lose interest in the phenomenon.

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The flag - The red-gloved Boxing Kangaroo flag was first seen on the racing yacht, Australia II, during the America’s Cup.

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Fighting spirit - Even today, the revered symbol of Australia’s fighting spirit is still flying on the Australia II.

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Icon - The Boxing Kangaroo was later used as a mascot for the Australian Olympic team, and to promote sport and fair play in schools.

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The Kangaroos - The flag is also highly associated with its namesake national rugby league team – the Kangaroos.

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Event attendance - There is not a single event in Australia where you won't see a kangaroo.

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Distinctive - The distinctive flag can also be seen at Australian sporting events worldwide.

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2010 Winter Olympics - The flag has stirred up some controversy in its long history.

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2010 Winter Olympics - The Australian team draped a huge Boxing Kangaroo flag in the Olympic Village. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ordered the removal of the flag, deeming it too "commercial".

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IOC - The IOC eventually relinquished their order to remove the flag, and the kangaroo stayed in the Olympic Village for the duration of the Winter Olympics.

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Good luck charm - Now the kangaroo has become a good luck charm for certain athletes.

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Dr. Seuss - Did you know, even Dr. Seuss featured a 'Sour Kangaroo' in his tale 'Horton Hears A Who!'?

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Matilda - Matilda was an important mascot at the 1982 Commonwealth Games held in Brisbane.

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Matilda - The 13-metre high mechanical kangaroo winked at the spectators during the opening and closing ceremonies.

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Thanks hoppy! - The kangaroo has appeared on Australian coins, emblems, and logos. It has been used in art, as a mascot, and even as the namesake for sports teams. The kangaroo has become a key part of Australian heritage, that is still utilized today.

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