Jeff Fenech, a legendary Australian boxing powerhouse of Maltese descent, is currently in ICU at a Thai hospital awaiting heart surgery after falling ill on Friday.
The Olympian was accompanying a group of 10 boxers for a training camp in Thailand when he suddenly fell ill. The boxers are being credited with saving their mentor’s life after promptly calling an ambulance at the first sign of ill health.
The 55-year-old’s debilitating condition shocked doctors, and his lengthy recovery is increasingly likely to cost him the opportunity to walk his own daughter down the aisle next weekend.
Jeff, a three-time World Boxing Champion who in 2002 was inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, enjoyed a celebrated career in professional boxing that saw him rise to the top tiers of the game. Following his retirement, Jeff stayed on in the industry as a trainer, supporting the likes of champions Nadal Hussein and Vic Darchinyan, and even helping in Mike Tyson’s 2005 comeback.
Initially admitted for pneumonia, Jeff was later diagnosed with an infected heart valve and is said to be in a horrible physical state. He is expected to go in for surgery in the coming hours.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jeff!