Boxing legend Jeff Fenech went ‘apes**t’ when he found out his daughter was dating an NRL player – but now the footy star has won his approval

  • Jeff Fenech’s daughter Kayla is dating NRL star Bradman Best
  • Fenech was furious when he found out she was with a footballer
  • Boxing legend has since changed his mind on the matter

Former Australian world boxing champion Jeff Fenech didn’t react well when his daughter Kayla told him she was dating an NRL star, but his feelings have since changed.

Fenech’s daughter Kayla, 28, said News Corp that her father ‘went mad’ when she called him and told him she was in a relationship with Newcastle player Bradman Best.

“I have always warned my daughters not to date players from the league,” Fenech told The Daily Telegraph.

‘I’ve been around football players all my life.

‘They are young and like to go out and have fun.

“So when she called and told me, I went ballistic. I gave her a dig. She kept saying, ‘Dad, he’s a nice guy.’ Kayla told me every day how nice he was.

“Bradman knew I was angry, but he said to Kayla, ‘I will prove your father wrong’ — and he did.”

The country’s best fighter ever and Best now get along well, even training together in boxing.

Former boxing champion Jeff Fenech (pictured) was unimpressed when he found out his daughter Kayla was dating NRL star Bradman Best

Kayla, who met Best through social media, says his father has since changed his mind

Kayla, who met Best through social media, says his father has since changed his mind

“Maybe he wanted to impress his future father-in-law,” Jeff said.

‘He made a big impression when we trained.

“When we first met, you could tell he was a good young man. He treats Kayla beautifully. Like a gentleman. They are very happy. And my wife Suzee and I are too.

“The only time I’ve been dirty was when he scored twice against my Parramatta team last week and beat us.”

Kayla, who met Best through social media, is now moving to Newcastle to be closer to him.

“He’s a good person, very down to earth, and he treats me very well,” she said.

Best (pictured) even did boxing training with the former champion

Best (pictured) even did boxing training with the former champion

Kayla says the Newcastle powerhouse is very down to earth and treats her well

Kayla says the Newcastle powerhouse is very down to earth and treats her well

Fenech said the only time he was angry was when Best scored against his team Parramatta

Fenech said the only time he was angry was when Best scored against his team Parramatta

‘Just an all-round good person with a big heart.

‘Actually, he’s perfect.’

Best is likely to be considered for the NSW Blues if Latrell Mitchell is out with a foot injury that may require surgery.

Best made his debut for the Blues in Game III of last year’s Origin series, scoring twice in the win for NSW.