Fears for 'sick as a dog' Aussie boxing icon

Australian boxing icon Jeff Fenech has been hospitalised with a "mystery infection".

The 59-year-old was rushed to hospital with a body temperature of nearly 40, and may require surgery.

He also has a swollen wrist, with doctors concerned it may be connected to a heart issue.

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Fenech had heart surgery in 2019 in Thailand to replace an infected valve. Doctors are also examining that and adjoining valves.

"I feel shithouse," Fenech told News Corp.

"I'm as sick as a dog. I have a mystery infection. I'm sick of it.

"They think it has something to do with my heart and valves. They have done heaps of tests. I don't yet know what the results are."

Fenech said he'd battled a fever for close to a fortnight. His temperature reached a high of 39.8C.

He was hospitalised on Tuesday.

"I hope I don't need surgery but I don't know. I hope not, I hope not," he said.

Boxing legend Jeff Fenech shows signs of recovery

"I also have a really bad infection in my wrist and they think it could be heart related. If you see my wrist you'd die, it's massive. It's red, inflamed, swollen and sore.

"It could be an infection coming from the valves which has spread through my body. They don't know yet.

"Of course I'm worried, of course I am. I don't want another operation. F–k that."

Fenech is one of Australia's best known boxers. From his 33 professional fights, he won 28 of them, with 21 by way of knockout. 

He won the final fight of his career – a majority decision win over Azumah Nelson – in 2008.

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