My Favourite Fighter: Danny Jacobs

My Favourite Fighter: Danny Jacobs

By William Lott

Boxers have always been revered for their bravery each time they step inside the square circle to put their lives on the line for the entertainment of the fans. However, every now and then, a fighter steps into the limelight who deserves further respect for his actions and struggles outside the ring. Step forward Brooklyn’s two – time middleweight champion Danny Jacobs.

Throughout his career, Jacobs has fought top opposition and been involved in 50/50 fights. Outside he has also fought his battles head on with no fear. His struggles outside the ring only added to the admiration many already had for his exploits inside it.

With Jacobs being considered a large middleweight he has often being expected to agree to rehydration clauses to limit his weight on fight night. This was especially true of both Canelo and GGG which displays the threat he poses. With fast hands, high ring IQ and power in both hands, Jacobs stands amongst the top Middleweights in the world, posing a threat to anyone on any given night.

However even before his career defining battles with Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez, Jacobs had already won his biggest fight. He had beaten bone cancer, creating the deserved nickname ‘Miracle Man’.

Jacobs had a stellar amateur career culminating in a Junior Olympics Gold Medal and National Golden Gloves Championship in 2005, Jacobs turned professional in 2007.

Jacobs had a quiet start to his career before suffering a first defeat at the hands of Russian WBO Kingpin Dmitry Pirog.

Sadly, as Jacobs started to build momentum again with two more victories, he suffered the devastating news he had been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

With a career in tatters and talk of never walking against let alone fighting, it would be easy to accept fate and give up hope.

However, fighters have this incredible mentality to continue competing at the top level. Nothing will stop them from achieving their goals. The Miracle Man fought on and finished treatment 17 months later with a renewed lease on life and a new purpose in boxing.

Jacobs didn’t only beat cancer but returned to the ring and went to win two titles in the middleweight division. An achievement truly awe inspiring.

He could have retired from the sport and no one would have blamed him. He could have returned to the ring quietly, facing lower level opponents and building momentum.

In a sport where opponents are constantly berated for fighting lesser opponents and ‘ducking’ the big fights, Jacobs worked his way up the rankings quickly. Just two years later he held the WBA ‘regular’ middleweight title, defeating Jarrod Fletcher before defending against the likes of future super middleweight champ Caleb Truax and destroying previously undefeated Peter Quillin in one round.

Even with these victories he remained a lesser name in a division dominated by Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez. Jacobs is now a name known worldwide for his tight decision losses to both GGG and Canelo.

Jacobs became the man to halt GGG’s incredible knockout streak, landing more easily than expected and losing a split decision in a fight many thought he could have won.

Jacobs took the vacant IBF title in a close decision victory against Serhiy Derevianchenko, showing some vulnerability. This led to a unification fight against pound for pound king Canelo.

However, Jacobs started too slow, showing too much respect before starting to show his counter abilities and fast hands in the later rounds. This time it was too little too late.

Having given both elite champions tough nights, I don’t think I am alone when I say I’d much prefer a Canelo vs Jacobs II fight as opposed to the GGG Canelo trilogy.

Finally, every well-known athlete and celebrity has an opportunity to make a difference in this sad world and create a legacy outside of their profession. Not all take this chance though. This is what Jacobs has done.

Jacobs has gone on to create his own children’s charity called Get in the Ring, aimed at helping children suffering from bullying to battling cancer. It may not be the largest charity but every act makes a difference.

Regardless of what happens in the rest of Jacobs career he has created a legacy he can be proud of inside and outside the ring. The class he has shown in the build ups to fights as well as his attitude outside including his work for various kids’ charities only adds to it.