Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech has been hospitalised with ongoing heart problems, casting a temporary shadow over the preparations of both his family and the fighters he mentors. The alarming health update was revealed by his NRL star son-in-law, Bradman Best, who shared the family’s deep concern just days ahead of his own milestone international debut for the Australian Kangaroos.
The 62-year-old four-weight world champion, affectionately known throughout the sporting world as the "Marrickville Mauler," was admitted to Strathfield Private Hospital roughly ten days ago. Fenech had reportedly been suffering from severe fatigue, breathing difficulties, and a general feeling of being unwell, prompting medical professionals to admit him for immediate observation and comprehensive testing. During his ongoing stay, Fenech has already undergone a medical procedure to have a blood clot removed from his wrist. Furthermore, doctors have subjected the boxing icon to a battery of tests to investigate whether a potentially life-threatening staph infection—which has plagued his medical history in the past—has made a dangerous return, though a recurrence has not yet been officially confirmed by medical staff.
The news came to light when Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best spoke publicly about the profound influence Fenech has had on his life and athletic career. Best shares a daughter with Fenech’s daughter, Kayla. While the rugby league star is currently immersed in intensive preparations to make his much-anticipated Australian Test debut against Fiji on Sunday, he took time out of his media commitments to acknowledge the boxing great’s current health battle and express his unwavering support.
"Jeff has been massive for me, I just want to give a quick shout-out to him," Best told reporters. "He’s actually in hospital at the moment. I’m thinking of him. He’s tough, he’s always a fighter."
Best elaborated on how Fenech has evolved into an invaluable source of mentorship and guidance as the young league player worked tirelessly toward achieving his dream of representing his country on the international stage. According to the Newcastle centre, the boxing legend’s vast championship experience and competitive mindset have played a crucial role in shaping his professional athletic approach.
"Jeff has done a lot for me in my career," Best said. "I was visiting him last week and he’s always giving me tips on what to do and how to be better. 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."
When pressed by reporters on whether Fenech’s condition should be viewed as critically serious, Best maintained an optimistic outlook, drawing parallels between the boxing legend’s personal resilience inside and outside the squared circle. "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," Best added.
Beyond the family circle, Fenech’s sudden hospitalization has also sent ripples through the upper echelons of Australian boxing, directly interrupting the training preparations of undefeated star Tim Tszyu. Fenech officially took over as Tszyu’s head trainer back in July, instantly forging a powerful alliance that quickly yielded impressive results. Most notably, Fenech helped guide Tszyu to a career-defining, unanimous decision victory over American star Errol Spence Jr. Tszyu had openly credited the veteran mentor with providing the strategic brilliance and mental inspiration required to secure that remarkable win, which successfully reignited his relentless pursuit of capturing a world championship title in a second distinct weight division.
With Fenech currently sidelined and recovering in hospital ahead of a crucial stretch in the sport, fellow trainer Basil Nassis has temporarily stepped in to take charge of Tszyu’s day-to-day work in the gym. Tszyu is currently lined up for a high-stakes WBA middleweight world-title clash against formidable Cuban-American champion Erislandy Lara. While media reports indicate that the blockbuster bout is expected to take place on home soil in Australia sometime in November or December, the exact timing and nature of the final training camp preparations remain fluid.
Reports indicate that Fenech is fiercely determined to recover in time to maintain some level of involvement in Tszyu’s corner for the upcoming title fight, though media outlets have noted that he is unlikely to be physically capable of performing heavy padwork during the crucial final weeks of the camp.
This latest health scare is merely the latest chapter in a long series of serious medical battles that the boxing Hall of Famer has faced in recent years. Fenech’s medical history includes at least two major, life-threatening heart operations that have tested his legendary toughness away from the spotlight. In October 2019, while stationed in Thailand to prepare Australian boxer Jack Brubaker for a bout against Tim Tszyu, Fenech was rushed to a medical facility where he underwent emergency open-heart surgery after a severe infection began rapidly spreading toward his heart valves. More recently, in 2024, he was forced to endure another grueling six-hour open-heart operation to combat a recurrent, serious infection that once again threatened his life.
Despite these recurring health hurdles, family members, friends, and the broader Australian sporting community remain hopeful that the resilient four-division world champion will successfully overcome his latest medical challenge and return home to his loved ones and the sport he has dedicated his entire life to.
