How serious was Jacobs’ career?
Jacobs’ boxing prospects before his diagnosis were hugely promising. The American had an amateur record of 137 wins from 144 fights and began his professional career on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton’s 2007 fight. Jacobs dispatched his opponent, Joe Jesus Hurtado, within 29 seconds.
He would go onto win the WBO–NABO middleweight and NABF middleweight titles in his 18th and 20th fight before he was diagnosed after his 23rd bout, a knockout victory over Robert Kliewer.
How long was he out of the ring?
The boxer spent 19 months out of the sport whilst receiving treatment for his cancer. The treatment saved his life and prevented permanent paralysis.
“It was an incredibly dangerous operation, which could have left him paralysed or even deceased.” – Andre Rosier, Daniel’s trainer
The resilience and determination Jacobs showed to get past his cancer and back into the ring was something that his trainer, Rosier, says made him the man he is today.
“Before he had cancer, he was young, he was brash, you know, he was about dandy. When he fought cancer, it changed him.”