Australian boxing great Shannan Taylor has revealed the confronting moment that first signalled something was seriously wrong before his stage-four cancer diagnosis hit after he was left broke due to fraud.
The 53-year-old, known as the Bulli Blaster, is now battling bowel and liver cancer and undergoing urgent treatment, but says the only warning sign came during what should have been a normal night out on the NSW south coast.
‘I went to Beaches down in Thirroul, we went down there for dinner,’ he told The Daily Mail.
‘I had to go No.2, there was blood coming out of my bum, big time.
‘So I went to the doctor, that was on the Sunday night, I went to the doctors on Tuesday.
‘The doctor sent me for a blood test and said there was no cancer in my body.’
Aussie boxing legend Shannan Taylor has opened up about the confronting moment he first realised something was seriously wrong with his health
Taylor, pictured with his girlfriend Kathy and mother Karren, has spoken about their incredible support in his darkest hour as he fights stage-four cancer
Taylor, pictured with his son Rush, has vowed to fight the disease like he’s in another title bout
Despite the initial reassurance, Taylor’s instincts and the concern shown by his family told a different story, with his mother pushing him to seek further medical advice that would ultimately uncover the devastating truth.
‘My mum sent me to her doctor and they discovered the cancer,’ he said.
‘I was in the hospital at that stage. I just rolled over and went to my girlfriend Kathy, my sister Kirsty and my mum Karren … I said “I’ll fight it”.
‘It’s just another title fight now. That’s what one of the specialists said to me.’
Taylor is now wasting no time beginning treatment, revealing the confronting reality of what lies ahead as he prepares to start chemotherapy.
‘I’m getting a port put in my chest on Wednesday and then on Thursday getting the chemo,’ he said.
‘I’m not sure [how long treatment will run for] at the moment, but probably for a few weeks.’
The former world champion, who fought Shane Mosley for the WBC welterweight world title in Las Vegas, is now drawing on his trademark toughness in a very different fight.
Taylor, pictured with his daughter Nathalia, says his children are his motivation as he refuses to give up during the fight of his life
Taylor (pictured fourth from right with friends and family) is determined to survive for his kids and loved ones
Taylor said he lost his house (pictured) after a fraudulent scheme left him financially devastated
But while he fights for his life, Taylor has also laid bare the financial devastation that has followed him for nearly two decades after being ripped off by his disgraced former promoter.
The promoter was convicted in New South Wales courts of multiple fraud offences, including property and mortgage fraud, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
‘I lost my house. I made the last payment on the house and he made a line of credit of $570,000,’ Taylor said.
‘So I’ve been struggling since 2007.
‘I can’t believe it. He knows me, everything I do, I box for.
‘[It’s all gone] not because of anything I’ve done, it’s because of him.
‘It’s scary. I’ve struggled since 2007.’
The financial blow left the former champion starting from scratch, a reality that has made his current health battle even more difficult as he navigates the cost of treatment and day-to-day life.
Taylor’s world title fight against Shane Mosley showcased his toughness despite being stopped by the undefeated champion
Taylor’s bout with Anthony Mundine drew major attention as two Australian boxing stars collided in a high-profile fight in 2009
Aussie boxing greats Danny Green and Jeff Fenech have thrown their support behind Taylor
Despite everything, Taylor says the overwhelming support from the boxing community has given him strength, with some of the sport’s biggest names rallying behind him.
‘It’s just unreal. It’s overwhelming that everybody is getting behind me,’ he said.
‘I lost all my money. It feels good to have a bit of money in my pocket at the moment, I wish it wasn’t because of cancer.
‘My children, Chase, my youngest one, 18, Rush is 20 and Nathalia is 22 – they’re my world.
‘I’m not going to leave them here. I am definitely fighting for them.
‘And then my girlfriend Kathy and my mum.
‘My mum is such a strong lady, she picks up my medication every morning and every night. She has been unreal.’
Former world champion Danny Green and legendary trainer Jeff Fenech are among those who have thrown their support behind Taylor, while a fundraiser is being organised to help ease the burden as he undergoes treatment.
Close friend and boxing promoter Jamie Myer said the fight ahead is daunting but believes the wider community can play a vital role in helping Taylor through it.
‘I just hope that he gets through it,’ Myer said.
‘Stage four, I know it’s not a really good position, but I just hope he gets through it and hopefully we can give him the support that he needs for all the medical stuff.
‘Boxers are hoping that everyone gets behind him because he has given so much to the sport over the last 30 years.
‘He has been a great person, always there to help other people, so hopefully people can put their hand in their pocket and even just give him a hand with moral support as well.’
