- Jeff Fenech’s daughter announced she was dating the footy player last week
- The boxing icon previously said he didn’t want his daughter to date an NRL player
Aussie boxing legend Jeff Fenech has spoken of his pride after his daughter Kayla announced she and NRL star Bradman Best were expecting a baby.
The former IBF and WBC title holder had previously stated that he didn’t want his daughter to date a rugby league player but has now changed his tune after meeting the Newcastle Knights star.
Kayla and Best announced that they were expecting a baby in 2026 on Instagram last week.
‘Baby Best due in January 2026. We can’t wait,’ Kayla wrote on the social media platform.
But despite his earlier comments, Fenech has now spoken of his delight at the news.
‘They are so happy,’ he told The Daily Telegraph.
Jeff Fenech (right) has spoken of his pride after his daughter Kayla (left) announced she was expecting a baby with NRL star Brandman Best
Best and Kayla (pictured) announced the news last week on Instagram, posting a pictureof themselves sharing a hug with an ultrasound scan
Fenech had previously stated that he went ‘apes***’ when he learned Kayla was dating a footy player
‘And I’m so proud of both of them. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, the baby is going to have some great genes.
‘And they’ll be great parents. You know how much I love Kayla and Bradman is a great fella who will make a great dad.’
Fenech said he went ‘apes***’ when he found out his daughter was dating a footy player.
‘I’d always warned my girls about going out with league players,’ he had previously said.
He added: ‘So when she rang and told me, I went off the deep end. I gave her a roasting. She kept trying to say, “Dad, he’s a lovely guy”. Kayla was telling me every day how nice he was.’
But it his opinion has changed since meeting Best, with Fenech, one of the country’s greatest fighters, now also having gone down to the gym to train with the footy star.
‘Bradman knew I was angry, but he told Kayla, “I’ll prove your dad wrong” – and he has,’ Fenech added.
Kayla has over 200,000 followers on Instagram and works as a business development manager for Ray White.
Kayla was holding the ultrasound and a tiny pair of Nike trainers as she announced she and Best are expecting a baby in January
He added that he was ‘so proud’ of the pair having also previously revealed that he and Best had gone down to the gym to train together
After announcing the big news on Instagram last week, the pair received a heartfelt reception from many of their close friends and family.
Her mother, Suzee, wrote in the comments: ‘Omg I’m so proud of you both, can’t wait to meet my gorgeous little bubba.
‘Super excited to be on this next chapter/journey with you both. Luv u both.’
Jeff has also previously sung Best’s praises and lifted the lid on how their training went.
‘Maybe he was trying to impress his future father-in-law,’ Fenech said.
He was very impressive when we trained.
‘When we first met, you could tell he was a good young man. He’s treating Kayla beautifully. Like a gentleman. They’re very happy. And so is my wife Suzee and I.
‘The only time I got dirty is when he scored two tries against my Parramatta side last weekend and beat us.’
Best, 23, made his debut for the Knights in 2019 and has gone on to make 98 appearances for the side, returning 42 tries.
