Jeff Fenech Becomes Four-Time World Champion Three Decades Later

Jeff Fenech is finally a four-time world champion. 

More than 30 years ago, the Australian boxer was denied the super featherweight belt in a highly controversial bout against Ghana’s Azumah Nelson, which ended in a draw. But now, President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that Fenech will be awarded the title at this year’s WBC convention. 

Sulaiman said he formed a “special committee” to review the fight, which took place in 1991 in Las Vegas on a Mike Tyson undercard. 

“All the ring officials from all over the world score the bout in favor of Jeff Fenech,” the convention was told.  

“The WBC board of governors approve the motion to crown Jeff Fenech to become a four-time world champion.” 

With the new strap, Fenech joins a group of the elite — like Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard – who have won world titles across four weight divisions. 

On that infamous night, official judge Jerry Roth had it 115-113 for Fenech, Miguel Donate had it 116-112 for Nelson and Dave Moretti had it 114-114. 

The decision was booed at the time. 

“It’s total bullc– – I’ve been robbed,” Fenech said back then. 

“The whole world knows I won.” 

Now, 31 years after, Fenech said, though it’s late, it’s still special. 

“It’s crazy, brother. It would’ve meant more to me back when I really won the fight. But for them, the WBC, to do this is so special,” Fenech told News Corp. newspapers.  

“Far out, it means so much to me. I’ve got 20 or 30 Aussies who have flown over with me. It’s an incredibly special night.”