Jeff Fenech Born: May 28, 1964 Won: 28 Lost: 3 Drew: 1 KOs: 21 IBF Bantamweight 1985-86, WBC Super-Bantamweight 1987-88, WBC Featherweight 1988-89 Inducted into Hall of Fame: 2002

The son of Maltese immigrants Jeff Fenech was born in Sydney , Australia and grew up to become one of Australia's best ever. Fenech was noted for extreme toughness , and his whirlwind style was a real treat for fans.

Fenech was taken under the tutelage of trainer Johnny Lewis early on, and had a stellar amateur career, in which he would   represent Australia  at the 1984 Olympics held  in Los Angeles. That same year Fenech turned professional .  In his pro debut Fenech dispatched the veteran Bobby Williams in 2. The fast starting Fenech traveled abroad in just his 4th bout and KO'd Iliesa Manila in Fiji.

In just his 7th bout Fenech got a title shot against a very tough Japanese IBF Bantamweight Champion named Satoshi Shingaki. Shingaki didn't give up his title easily, but he was in the way of a runaway freight train called the Marrickville Mauler , and give it up he did.

After two non title knockout wins, he gave Shingaki a rematch and retained the crown with a knockout in three. Another non-title bout followed in which Fenech continued his winning way by stopping Kenny Butts in the 2nd round.
A quick handed American Bantamweight with  a 26-0 record named Jerome Coffee came to Sydney with intentions of taking the IBF Title home with him. Coffee was valuable experience for Fenech , taking him the full 15 rounds and forcing a decision.

In 1986, Fenech had two major bouts, first he won a tough decision over the former Bantamweight and future Featherweight Champion , Daniel Zaragoza , who  like Fenech eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Next on Fenech's schedule was 1984 Olympic Gold Medal winner and un-defeated Steve McCrory. Fenech's swarming style and relentless pressure again prevailed. Fenech retained his title with a 14 round TKO win.

1987, found Fenech a busy boxer. First he moved up a weight class to Super-Bantamweight and decisioned Tony Miller. Then, the WBC  Jr. Featherweight champion, Samart Payakarum, came to Australia to defend his belt against Fenech. Fenech became a two time world champion by knocking Payakarum out in four rounds. Fenech's first title defense at 122 lbs was against  future  Jr. Bantamweight champion Greg Richardson and Jeff promptly knocked him out in five. An aging legend Carlos Zarate, once one of the best Bantamweights ever challenged Fenech next . Fenech took an early lead over Zarate before suffering a fight halting cut over his eye and he retained his title with a TD win.
Fenech , was struggling to continue making 122 lbs, so he made the move to Featherweight. Fenech then  TKO'd Victor Callejas in March of 1988 to win the Vacant WBC Featherweight Title. Now Fenech had moved into an exclusive club, those title holders at three weight divisions. Two more successful title defenses followed that year when Fenech stopped both Tyrone Downes and Georgie Navarro in the 5th round.

Throughout Fenechs career he was plagued with brittle hands , after winning a painful decision over Marcos Villasana , in April of 1989, Fenech had surgery for this problem and was temporarily retired prior to  a comeback win over Mario Martinez in November of that year.

In 1990 Fenech was in-active then in 1991, now a Jr Lightweight he first TKO'd  Canadian John Kalbhenn then prepared for what was to become his career defining fight.
 

Fenech Traveled to the US in June of 1991 seeking the WBC Title then held by the great Azumah Nelson . Fighting at the Mirage in Las Vegas before a nationwide TV audience. Fenech seemingly dominated Nelson in early rounds, often forcing the "Professor" into a defensive posture. In the 12th round Fenech had Nelson on rubbery legs , however the wily Nelson hung on to send the bout to the judges. Many observers felt the Draw that resulted from the judges scoring was unjust; however Nelson retained his title.

The many brutal battles that Fenech had engaged in during his ring career had taken its toll, never again would the Marrickville Mauler perform with the savage brilliance of old. The following year In Melbourne Fenech was dominated by Nelson in the 1992 "Upset of the Year".

Fenech would only fight four more times until finally a loss to South African Phillip Holiday in an IBF Lightweight Title attempt in 1996 signaled the end of his active career.

Boxing has not lost Jeff Fenech by any means, the once great fighter is now seen in the corner of top Australian boxers.

Photos Courtesy of Antiquities of the Prize Ring