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.

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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 paid tribute at a press conference in the Kangaroos’ Rugby League World Cup camp on Wednesday.

“I know he’s doing it tough, the whole family, they’ve done a lot for me,” said Best, who is married to Fenech’s daughter Kayla.

“I know he’s as tough as they come, I’m always thinking of him and I’ll check in with him after this, give him a FaceTime call and see how he’s doing.

“I’ll just let him know I’m thinking of him and he’ll be right.”

Best laughed when asked what he thought about Fenech’s public plea for the Newcastle centre to sign with Parramatta.

“He loves Parramatta, that was his dream growing up — he didn’t want to be a boxer, he wanted to play NRL,” the 25-year-old said.

“It’s funny when he’s trying to tell me how much he loves Parramatta.”

Best had first revealed Fenech’s current predicament during a 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,” he said.

“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.