Jeff Fenech was Mike Tyson's trainer for two fights this century with the former world champion boxer issuing an update after heart surgery

Mike Tyson's former trainer Jeff Fenech has issued a positive statement after undergoing heart surgery. The 62-year-old, who was also a boxing world champion, underwent the significant operation last week with comments from his family and close friends revealing all went well.

Following a successful career in the ring, Fenech trained Tyson on two separate occasions with the first in 2005 as he tried to relaunch his career against Kevin McBride.

Defeat on that night resulted in Tyson retiring but he made a triumphant return 15 years later for an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. and once again hired Fenech with this bout ending in a draw.

Over the last few years, Fenech has remained in the sport and is now coaching fellow Australian Tim Tszyu. However, he is facing a race against time to be in his corner for a fight against Erislandy Lara after undergoing a third major heart surgery, of which he has now provided an update on from hospital, via a social media post.

He said in a Facebook post on Friday morning: "Hi everyone , I would just like to say a special thank you to all you beautiful people who continue to support me.

"Although it’s not over yet, I think I want to say I just went through the toughest fight of my life. I am not going to be on social media for a while.. maybe the day I get home.. I’d like to say what I said after every fight.. I love youse all."

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The actual surgery took place earlier this month with his daughter Jessica stating on Tuesday, October 27 that the surgery was a success. She wrote to Instagram: "Just a quick update … Dad has come out of his major heart surgery which was a success. He is in recovery. “Thank you for all your prayers. The Fenech Family”.

A more detailed update on his condition, recovery and plans to return to the sport were later revealed by Ben Damon via Fox Sports Australia.

He said: “The great news is that Jeff has come through a very long and significant surgery successfully. And doctors are very happy with how everything has gone.

“It’s a tremendous relief for his family and friends, and for everyone who cares about him across the boxing world. But it’s absolutely no surprise given what a warrior Jeff has always been.

“He’s had major surgery and it will be a lengthy recovery – or at least it would be for a normal person – but I’d expect Jeff will show his usual impatience and will approach it with trademark enthusiasm.

“In a boxing sense, Jeff has already put plans in place for Tim Tszyu’s world title preparation but it would be impossible to keep him away from that mission and you can bet he will be doing everything humanly possible to be in the corner on fight day.”