Tyson’s call lifts teary Fenech

SHATTERED at missing his daughter’s wedding, an ill Jeff Fenech was given a timely boost yesterday through a phone call from old mate and ex-heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

Fenech was told he would have to undergo heart surgery in a Bangkok hospital after antibiotics failed to remedy an infected valve. The former triple world champion is already fighting pneumonia.

Jess Fenech is getting married on Saturday week in Sydney but her famous father has now been told he will be remaining in a Thailand hospital for at least another four weeks.

Fenech, 55, is gutted he will miss the wedding. He has been in tears.

The call from Tyson came with Fenech at the lowest medical point in his life. Fenech trained Tyson in 2005 and the pair have remained friends.

Fenech’s wife, Suzee, has arrived in Thailand to be beside her husband.

Fenech’s health has close friends deeply concerned but they are also aware how physically and mentally tough the former boxing champion is.

“Jeff is no stranger to personal conflict,” said Fenech’s close mate, well-known Sydney businessman Mark Bouris.

“Like everything else, I know he will battle through it.

“Tyson and his wife (Lakiha) called to see how Jeff was. That lifted Jeff’s spirits.”

Fenech had hoped to have the heart operation back in Sydney but doctors say flying would be a dangerous option. He will now have surgery in Bangkok.

Fenech has been inundated with support from across the Australian sporting landscape and around the world.

He did eat yesterday morning, a small yet significant step in his recovery.

He has been in severe pain and coughing up blood.

The Hall of Fame boxer was rushed to intensive care on Friday night, with doctors later claiming he was close to dying.

He is battling additional pain through medical issues with his shoulders, legs and a lung infection. He has also been experiencing breathing difficulties and trouble sleeping.

Fenech arrived in Thailand last Tuesday with about 10 of his boxers, including Brock Jarvis, for a training camp.

He didn’t leave his hotel room for the first three days. The boxers then determined he had to be rushed to hospital. They saved his life.

Fenech’s boxers are still in Thailand supporting their trainer. They are due home today but it remains unknown whether they will decide to remain in Bangkok.