Australian boxing’s most combustible rivalry has exploded once again, with Jeff Fenech and Anthony Mundine locked in an ugly war of words.
The pair – two of the biggest names in Aussie boxing – have been trading barbs for more than two decades, with tensions flaring again as Fenech readies Tim Tszyu for his upcoming clash with Errol Spence later this month.
Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Fenech, a four-weight world champion and Hall of Fame legend, was criticised recently by Mundine for his coaching record.
“The only downfall for Timmy, I think, is the Jeff Fenech aspect – bringing him in as the trainer,” Mundine told fight reporter Jai McAllister.
“He (Fenech) ain’t got the best record in big fights,” said Mundine.
“Maybe he’s seen something I ain’t, but we’re gonna find out soon.
“Going by track records, it doesn’t look so great.”
Fenech, who once famously labelled Mundine “Australia’s most hated person”, didn’t take long to fire back.
“Write this: I don’t give a f**k what Anthony Mundine says,” Fenech told Code Sports.
“I don’t even know if he knows what he’s talking about.
“It’s a pretty big statement from Anthony to come in and start talking shit.
“Anything that comes out of his mouth reminds me of what comes out of my ass.
“You can write that.
“It starts with ‘S’ and finishes with ‘T’.”
The “Marrickville Mauler” went on to say that “The Man” made his money through his words rather than his fists.
“He made his money through talking s**t,” said Fenech.
“I feel sorry for Anthony, for the person that he is after fighting. There’s no money to be made now.
“All he’s got now is what he’s always had – a massive ego.
“With the right tuition, he could’ve been Australia’s greatest fighter by a mile. But he never had it.”
Fenech teamed up with Tszyu in late April after “The Phoenix” dumped his fight team for the second time in six months.
Tszyu told Main Event’s Ben Damon his reason for aligning with Fenech was about creating history
“This combination, Tszyu and Fenech, it’s not just going to be remembered in boxing history, but sporting history,” the fighter said.
“It’s been a long time in the making and I wanted a big Australian synergy, you know.
“Something that has never happened.
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“And this [fight with Spence] will be one of the greatest victories in Australian boxing history.”
Tszyu squares off with Spence in Sydney on July 26th in one of the biggest fights of the year.