Jeff Fenech, the former boxing world champion who trained Mike Tyson, has issued a positive statement from his hospital bed after undergoing major heart surgery for the third time.
The 62-year-old underwent the significant operation last week, with comments from his family and close friends revealing that all went well.
A Career of Comebacks
Following a successful career in the ring, Fenech trained Tyson on two separate occasions. The first was in 2005, as Tyson tried to relaunch his career against Kevin McBride.
Defeat on that night resulted in Tyson retiring, but he made a triumphant return 15 years later for an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. and once again hired Fenech, with that bout ending in a draw.
Over the last few years, Fenech has remained in the sport and is now coaching fellow Australian Tim Tszyu. However, he is facing a race against time to be in his corner for a fight against Erislandy Lara after undergoing a third major heart surgery.
Message From Hospital
In a Facebook post on Friday morning, Fenech said: "Hi everyone, I would just like to say a special thank you to all you beautiful people who continue to support me."
"Although it's not over yet, I think I want to say I just went through the toughest fight of my life. I am not going to be on social media for a while.. maybe the day I get home.. I'd like to say what I said after every fight.. I love youse all."
The actual surgery took place earlier this month, with his daughter Jessica stating on Tuesday, October 27 that the surgery was a success. She wrote on Instagram: "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."
Recovery and Return Plans
A more detailed update on his condition, recovery and plans to return to the sport were later revealed by Ben Damon via Fox Sports Australia.
Damon said: "The great news is that Jeff has come through a very long and significant surgery successfully. 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, Fenech has already put plans in place for Tim Tszyu's world title preparation, with Damon adding: "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."
