Tyson’s ex-trainer determined to see Paul fight after near-death experience (2024)

Mike Tyson with world champion trainer Jeff Fenech, who is recovering from a major health scare (Image: WireImage)

Jeff Fenech, a close friend and former trainer of Mike Tyson, has opened up about his near-death experience. The Australian boxing legend, who trained Tyson towards the end of his career, suffered a major health scare just weeks before his 60th birthday last month.

Despite the terrifying ordeal, Fenech is now on the road to recovery and is eager to see his good friend Tyson in action once his postponed fight with Jake Paul is rescheduled. The bout is on hold after Tyson was sidelined with an ulcer flare-up.

"My heart's been put back together because I just about died a couple of months ago," he said. "I had a really bad infection in my valve. I had a massive clot on my calf, my left kidney had stopped working."

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"Four years ago, I went through exactly the same surgery but this time it was with my leg as well, so it was worse. I wouldn't wish this upon anybody.

"It's not just the pain I went through, it's what you put your family through, it was pretty horrific. So it's been pretty tough, but I'm OK and happy. I'm hoping to start training soon."

Despite his close shave with mortality, Fenech had been eager to jet off to the States to witness Tyson duke it out with the YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in Dallas in July. The duo managed a virtual catch-up during Tyson's training camp before the bout got shelved.

Jeff Fenech during his illustrious fighting career (Image: Getty Images)

Fenech was heartened by his pal's dedication and focus, despite harbouring doubts about him stepping back into the ring, by which time he would be 58.

"If it was my decision, I'd much prefer him to not fight at all, but he's going to fight," Fenech, who struck up a friendship with Tyson in the 80s, admitted. "I trained him for his final couple of fights [in the mid-2000s] and he seems more switched on now than he did then."

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