Jeff Fenech’s family shares health update after Australian boxing great undergoes ‘major heart surgery’

Australian boxing great Jeff Fenech is on the mend after undergoing “major heart surgery” amid his ongoing health battles.

The 62-year-old has been fighting a virus in hospital with doctors already operating multiple times to remove blood clots.

A four-time world champion, Fenech has already overcome serious heart-related issues and operations in 2019 and 2024.

That history meant there were no risks taken this time round either.

“Hi everyone, just a quick update for you all,” daughter Jessie wrote on behalf of the family.

“Dad has come out of his major heart surgery, which was a success.

“He is in recovery. Thank you for all your prayers.”

Fenech’s NRL star son-in-law Bradman Best first revealed the former boxer’s current predicament during a Rugby League World Cup press conference last week.

“Just want to give a quick shoutout to him, he’s actually in hospital at the moment so I’m thinking of him,” said Best, who is married to Fenech’s daughter Kayla.

“He’s tough, he’s always a fighter. He’s done a lot for me in my career, I was visiting down last week and he’s just always giving me tips on what to do and how to be better.

“It’s special having a father-in-law like that, a four-time world champion, it’s pretty special. He’s an icon in Australia, it’s special having a bond like that.

“He’ll be right, he’s always a fighter. He’s been in there with a few heart problems and stuff but he’ll be good.”

Fenech has remained prominent in Australian boxing circles since the end of his own career and now trains Tim Tszyu.

Tszyu’s career was on the brink last year but he is now on a three-fight winning streak after coming back from the brink.

The 31-year-old is set to fight world champion Erislandy Lara for the WBA middleweight title in Australia later this year — with Fenech hoping to be in his corner.