Australian boxing great Shannan Taylor has revealed he is facing the toughest battle of his life after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer.
The former world titleholder, known as the ‘Bulli Blaster’, shared the devastating news in an emotional message to fans, confirming the disease has spread to his liver and bowel.
‘I always wanted one more fight …’ Taylor wrote on Facebook.
‘Well my fans, friends and family … I got it.
‘The doctors confirmed today that I have stage 4 cancer, it is in my liver and my bowel.’
Despite the diagnosis, the 53-year-old made it clear he is approaching the challenge the only way he knows how.
Aussie boxing legend Shannan Taylor has revealed his stage-four cancer diagnosis
Taylor (pictured in a recent photograph) described his diagnosis as the fight of his life and promised to give it everything he has
Fans and fellow fighters flooded social media with support after Taylor (pictured right, fighting Anthony Mundine) shared his devastating news
‘So this will be the fight of my life, and I plan to attack it the same way I prepared for all my fights … give my all.
‘I don’t know any other way.’
Taylor, who fought 65 times as a professional and famously challenged American superstar Shane Mosley for a world title in Las Vegas, has long been known for his toughness both inside and outside the ring.
Now he is drawing on that same resilience as he prepares for a new kind of fight.
The Wollongong product also revealed that close friends Jamie Myer and ‘Richo’ are organising a special fundraiser event in his honour, with plans underway for a Shannan Taylor night at Bulli Workers Club.
‘My great friend Jamie Myer and Richo are organising a fundraiser/Shannan Taylor night soon and hopefully it will be at Bulli Workers (TBA),’ he said.
‘Any questions can be forwarded to Jamie or Richo but we don’t know much yet and will keep you updated.’
‘Thank you for all your support.’
Former champion Lovemore Ndou led tributes to Taylor (pictured), backing him to overcome the toughest challenge he has ever faced
A fundraiser event is being organised as the boxing community rallies around the popular Wollongong fighter
The announcement triggered an immediate outpouring of support from across the boxing and wider sporting community, with fans and fellow fighters rallying behind the popular figure.
Former world champion Lovemore Ndou led the tributes, writing: ‘My prayers are with you champ. That’s terrible news but I know for a fact that if there is someone strong enough to beat this, it’s you. God bless.’
Others shared messages of encouragement, reflecting Taylor’s reputation as one of the toughest competitors of his era.
‘Mate, feel like I’ve been hit with a shovel. That is terrible news, but they don’t make them tougher than you champ,’ one supporter wrote.
Another added: ‘Very sorry to be reading this post Shannan Taylor – The Bulli Blaster but I know you will give it your all with this fight. Kick cancer’s ass.’
Several supporters who have battled cancer themselves also reached out, offering hope and advice.
‘You got this. I’m a stage 4 survivor. It can be done,’ one wrote.
Throughout his career, Taylor built a reputation as a fearless fighter, earning 52 wins including 37 knockouts and capturing multiple titles across different weight divisions.
Now the message from those closest to him is clear: the Bulli Blaster is not backing down.
‘Just another one to beat. Stay strong mate,’ another supporter posted.
