Australian boxing icon Jeff Fenech has been admitted to hospital with heart-related health issues, prompting concern from his family as son-in-law Bradman Best prepares for his Australian debut.
The 62-year-old four-weight world champion was taken to Strathfield Private Hospital about 10 days ago after experiencing extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing and a general feeling of illness.
Doctors have removed a blood clot from Fenech’s wrist and carried out tests to determine whether a potentially fatal staph infection has returned.
There has been no confirmation that the infection has recurred.
Best, who shares a baby daughter with Fenech’s daughter Kayla, revealed the hospitalisation while speaking about the profound influence his father-in-law has had on his football career.
The Newcastle centre is set to play his first Test for Australia against Fiji on Sunday, but made sure to recognise Fenech’s health struggle ahead of the match.
Jeff Fenech, 62, has been hospitalised after experiencing heart problems, severe fatigue and breathing difficulties
Bradman Best paid tribute to his father-in-law before making his Australian Test debut
Fenech has reportedly had a blood clot removed from his wrist and undergone testing for a possible return of a serious infection
“Jeff has been massive for me. I just want to give a quick shout-out to him,” Best said.
“He’s actually in hospital at the moment.
“I’m thinking of him. He’s tough, he’s always a fighter.”
Best said the Australian boxing great had provided invaluable guidance throughout his journey towards representing his country.
“Jeff has done a lot for me in my career,” he said.
“I was visiting him last week and he’s always giving me tips on what to do and how to be better.
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“It’s special having a father-in-law like that who’s a four-time world champion.
“He’s an icon in Australia and it’s special having a bond like that with him.”
Tim Tszyu’s preparations for his world-title fight against Erislandy Lara have been interrupted by the hospitalisation of his trainer
Fenech became one of Australia’s finest boxers, claiming world championships in four weight divisions during a career that earned him the nickname “The Marrickville Mauler”
When asked whether Fenech’s condition was serious, Best struck a hopeful note.
‘Yeah, he will be right. He’s always a fighter. He’s been in there with a few heart problems and stuff, but he’ll be good.’
The hospitalisation has also interrupted Tim Tszyu’s preparations for his planned WBA middleweight world-title clash with Erislandy Lara.
Fenech became Tszyu’s head trainer in July, helping guide him to a unanimous decision victory over American star Errol Spence Jr.
Tszyu credited the veteran trainer with helping inspire that result, which set up his pursuit of a world championship in a second weight division.
With Fenech sidelined, fellow trainer Basil Nassis has taken charge of Tszyu’s work in the gym.
The Lara bout is expected to take place in Australia in November or December, according to the reports.
Fenech hopes to recover in time to be involved, although the Telegraph reported he is unlikely to perform padwork during the build-up.
The latest scare follows two major heart operations.
In October 2019, Fenech underwent emergency open-heart surgery in Thailand while preparing Jack Brubaker for a fight against Tszyu.
He needed another six-hour open-heart operation in 2024 during a serious infection.