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By Jake Donovan - It seems that Daniel Jacobs has been forced to spend the prime years of his career overcoming adversity. His most recent triumphs – which extend far beyond the ring – go a long way in rewarding him with 2012 Comeback of the Year honors.
Two years ago, Jacobs was an unbeaten middleweight who was a win away from realizing his dream of capturing a major title. In the days leading up to his vacant title fight with Dmitry Pirog, a different kind of obstacle stood before him – contending with the loss of his grandmother and caretaker.
Jacobs vowed an uplifting performance in his grandmother’s honor, but instead suffered the first loss of his career when Pirog iced him in five rounds.
It was unclear where his career would go from there, but the Brooklynite remained upbeat. Two wins followed, both taking place off-camera and against sub .500 competition. Not much was thought of the comeback following his second win in March ’11.
More attention was paid to his career two months later, though for reasons that had nothing to do with his in-ring progress. Jacobs was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer, after a tumor was discovered on his spine. Multiple surgeries were required to remove all remains of the tumor, but left him weakened and unable to walk.
“I remember feeling a weakness in my legs. It felt like they were on pins and needles,” Jacobs recalled of his condition at the time. [Click Here To Read More]
Two years ago, Jacobs was an unbeaten middleweight who was a win away from realizing his dream of capturing a major title. In the days leading up to his vacant title fight with Dmitry Pirog, a different kind of obstacle stood before him – contending with the loss of his grandmother and caretaker.
Jacobs vowed an uplifting performance in his grandmother’s honor, but instead suffered the first loss of his career when Pirog iced him in five rounds.
It was unclear where his career would go from there, but the Brooklynite remained upbeat. Two wins followed, both taking place off-camera and against sub .500 competition. Not much was thought of the comeback following his second win in March ’11.
More attention was paid to his career two months later, though for reasons that had nothing to do with his in-ring progress. Jacobs was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer, after a tumor was discovered on his spine. Multiple surgeries were required to remove all remains of the tumor, but left him weakened and unable to walk.
“I remember feeling a weakness in my legs. It felt like they were on pins and needles,” Jacobs recalled of his condition at the time. [Click Here To Read More]
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