Jeff Fenech reveals anguish at the breakdown of his partnership with former protégé Brock Jarvis

Jeff Fenech has opened up on his anguish at his break up with Brock Jarvis, and that he would have advised against this bout if he was still in his former protégé’s corner.

Jeff Fenech has revealed his anguish at the breakdown of his partnership with Brock Jarvis, with the boxing Hall of Famer saying he might still be in the corner of his former protégé against Keith Thurman on March 12 – even if it means jumping the barriers in a suit and tie.

As first reported by this masthead, Fenech and Jarvis sensationally parted ways earlier this month, just five weeks before the Thurman fight.

Fenech only found out about the fight at the last minute, and says he would have advised Jarvis not to take the bout.

The Marrickville Mauler is reluctant to work the corner considering he hasn’t had a role in helping underdog Jarvis train for the biggest test of his life, and will instead sit front row on fight night.

Fenech training Jarvis earlier this year. Picture: Getty Images

As recently as Tuesday afternoon though, 26-year-old Jarvis remained adamant Fenech would be in the corner, alongside his dad, Dom, brother, Levi and former NRL bad boy Curtis Scott.

Thurman vs. Jarvis | WED 12 MARCH 7PM AEDT | Australia’s Brock Jarvis will take on former Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman in a blockbuster event at the Hordern Pavilion | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

As the corner saga entered a third week, Fenech took Jarvis out to dinner on Tuesday night, where he outlined his concerns.

“I love the kid, and it was nice to have dinner last night and to talk with him,” Fenech told this masthead.

“I just tried to give him some advice the best I could. We’re not fighting at all, we had a great dinner.”

Fenech had been intending to tell Jarvis he wouldn’t be working the corner, but speaking after their meal at La Disfida in Sydney’s Inner West, Fenech left the door open to that very possibility.

“Knowing me, I’ll jump into the ring in my suit and work the corner anyway,” he said.

“God knows, but if I see him out there – and he’s never been in the ring without me there – it’s gonna be tough.

“I’d find it hard to not be with the person who I’ve been with for so long.

“I love the kid, and I hate to think I’m not a part of it – whether he wins or loses. Even more so if it’s a tough fight, I’d want to be there.

“I’m in a tough position.”

Adding to the messy situation is the fact Jarvis was once in a long-term relationship with Fenech’s youngest daughter, Kayla, who is now dating Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best.

The ongoing drama has seen Fenech cop plenty of hate online but he says he’s more concerned about the fighter who first knocked on his door as a skinny teenager nearly a decade ago.

“I don’t give a f**k what people think or write about me,” he said.

“I don’t care if people say I can’t train, I know what I can do.

“Mike Tyson is on video saying I’m the best trainer he’s ever had.

“All I can say is, my concern is with Brock.

“Having dinner with him last night was comforting, but it makes it really hard, because he wants me to be there.

Keith Thurman has only lost to Manny Pacquiao. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

“Every time I have a fighter fighting, the last thing I say to him is, ‘I don’t care what happens, if you win or lose, your preparation has been great and you’ve done everything I want you to do’.

“But I can’t say that to Brock, because I haven’t been a part of it.

“It’s really difficult.”

Another twist in the tale came on Tuesday when this masthead revealed Fenech had linked up with former UFC star Tyson Pedro.

It was seen by some as a snub, but Jarvis played it down.

“It’s great. I hope that he does train him,” Jarvis said.

“I’m not really too aware of the situation, but it’s great, it’s fine.

“Jeff’s always training people, so we’re sweet. He’s had some personal stuff going on, and I’ve just proceeded with training.”

Originally published as Jeff Fenech reveals anguish at the breakdown of his partnership with former protégé Brock Jarvis