Anthony Mundine has fired back at Jeff Fenech in a new chapter of their long-running feud, again taking aim at the Hall of Famer’s credentials as a trainer.
The bitter rivalry between two of the nation’s biggest boxing names has exploded again this week, with Fenech in Tim Tszyu’s corner ahead of his blockbuster showdown 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.
While recognising that the ‘Marrickville Mauler’ was an outstanding fighter, Mundine was far less complementary of his coaching.
“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.”
Fenech hit back at ‘The Man’ on Wednesday.
“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.”
Mundine has since returned serve, accusing the four-division world champ of longstanding resentment and raising concerns about Tszyu’s chances against Spence.
“I’ve got nothing against the brother, but he was hater on me back in the day for years,” said Mundine in a video post to Instagram.
“When I came into this sport he started talking shit about me. I f**king bashed all his fighters.
“I used to get happy because I knew what sort of style they were coming with. Just straight forward flat-footed stuff.
“All I’m saying is that if Tim comes with that style, it’s going to be an easy night for Errol because Jeff’s record ain’t the best at the highest level.
“Im hoping Tim can win, I’m rooting for the brother… all I’m saying is, is Jeff the right man?”
Mundine later doubled down on his remarks in a social media post, continuing his criticism of his old foe’s training ability.
“Jeff Fenech shouldn’t take things so personally,” he wrote.
“I just believe he’s a s**t trainer. And I say that based on my qualified opinion. I’ve always had easy nights when Fenech has been [the] trainer in the opposite corner.
“Jeff has been criticising and white-anting Tim Tszyu’s ex-trainers for years and he tells everyone he could do a better job. Well he’s in the driver’s seat now. Let’s see what he brings to the table.
“If Tim were to lose, watch Jeff make every excuse under the book like the big sook he is then will leave him like an orphan… facts.”
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Fenech teamed up with Tszyu in late April after “The Phoenix” dumped his fight team, including Cuban-American coach Pedro Diaz.
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.
“And this [fight with Spence] will be one of the greatest victories in Australian boxing history.”
Opinions vary about how the partnership will work out, but famed American trainer Robert Garcia is not only backing Tszyu against Spence on July 26, but also insists Fenech’s aggressive style is the perfect approach.
“I don’t know why Tim Tszyu didn’t like [Diaz],” Garcia told The Punch Podcast.
“But I know Pedro likes to use a lot of movement, a lot of footwork, which could be good for some.
“But I think Tim Tszyu is more a ‘look for the fight’ type of fighter. Someone who has good reflexes in front of his opponent, counters really well and has great power.
“So I don’t know how Fenech will do in the corner, but he’s a former champion and a tremendous warrior … and that style is what Tim Tszyu needs to perform.
“Pedro was more of a technical, round by round trainer. He’s not too excited to go out there and put a beating on your opponent.
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“He wants you to take your time and fight smart. Which isn’t a bad idea but maybe just didn’t fight Tszyu’s style.”
Tszyu squares off with Spence in Sydney on July 26th in one of the biggest fights of the year.