Australian boxing great Jeff Fenech has come through heart surgery successfully and is now gunning to be back in the corner for Tim Tszyu’s crack at creating history against WBA middleweight king Erislandy Lara.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia on Tuesday afternoon, Fenech’s longtime friend and popular Main Event commentator Ben Damon gave a wonderfully positive update on the Hall of Famer’s condition.
Gallen v Asofa-Solomona | Friday November 6 from 7pm AEDT | Australian sporting icon and crossover boxing king Paul Gallen returns to the ring to face his biggest opponent yet, Nelson ‘Big Nasty’ Asofa-Solomona. | Order now on Kayo Sports.
Fenech’s daughter, Jessica, also took to social media, saying: “Just a quick update … Dad has come out of his major heart surgery which was a success. He is in recovery.
“Thank you for all your prayers.
“The Fenech Family”.
After a rough couple of weeks for Fenech, there were genuine concerns as the great was set for major surgery – with WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán after calling on the boxing world to join him in a global day of prayer for the former champ.
Given the seriousness of the situation, it was feared Fenech would also be no chance of assisting with preparations for Tszyu, who is set to face Lara sometime later this year – on a date and venue still to be confirmed.
The delay comes as promoters No Limit have been involved in an incredible range of discussions that have also landed two more huge fights for their fighters – with Nikita Tszyu making his US debut in December, and only weeks before Queenslander Liam Paro has a world title eliminator against American superstar Devin Haney.
It is understood Fenech had already made arrangements for another coach to corner Tszyu if his surgery didn’t go as planned, and there is still no doubting the trainer will be limited in what he can do when he eventually emerges from hospital.
Thankfully, however, one of Australia’s sporting icons has again enjoyed what is now a third successful major heart surgery – and hopes to be back in the Team Tszyu entourage on fight night.
While the pair have been together for only one fight, Tszyu has continually heaped praise on Fenech’s influence – especially after upsetting American great Errol Spence earlier this year.
“The great news is that Jeff has come through a very long and significant surgery successfully,” Damon said.
“And doctors are very happy with how everything has gone.
“It’s a tremendous relief for his family and friends, and for everyone who cares about him across the boxing world.
“But it’s absolutely no surprise given what a warrior Jeff has always been.
“He’s had major surgery and it will be a lengthy recovery – or at least it would be for a normal person – but I’d expect Jeff will show his usual impatience and will approach it with trademark enthusiasm.
“In a boxing sense, Jeff has already put plans in place for Tim Tszyu’s world title preparation but it would be impossible to keep him away from that mission and you can bet he will be doing everything humanly possible to be in the corner on fight day.”