The definition of a miracle is an event that cannot be explained by logic and defies all rationality, forcing us to question everything we thought we knew.
This past Saturday–August 9, 2014–at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, the spectators in attendance laid witness to a modern day miracle, as hometown hero Danny Jacobs overcame adversity to conquer Australian Jarrod Fletcher for the WBA Middleweight crown, only a few years on since Jacobs was forced to engage against the toughest opponent imaginable, cancer.
After building up an impressive pro record, Jacobs was at the peak of his powers. Even after suffering the first loss of his career against Dmitry Pirog, Jacobs was undeterred from his aims.
However, after a suspect pain in his lower back manifested into a crippling agony, the 24 year old was about to be dealt an almighty blow in a once promising career.
The Brooklyn native was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that saw a tumour surround the spine, damaging the nerves in the process. After numerous surgeries, the tumour was removed, however it came at a cost, as the doctors were confident Jacobs would never fight again.
Nevertheless, Danny refused to back down, showing the true heart of a champion as he climbed through the ropes with a completely different perspective on life. Thus, the “Miracle Man” was born.
When Danny Jacobs squared off against Jarrod Fletcher it seemed to be written in the stars, as Jacobs looked phenomenal on route to a fifth-round TKO victory.
The difference in class was immediately apparent as Jacobs dropped the Aussie in the first round and from then on it was target practice, as the man once known as the “Golden Child” seemed too fast and too strong for his limited counterpart.
So with that coveted world title finally around his waist, it is unknown which route Jacobs will choose to follow, with the Middleweight division booming with big names.
Still, the strength and courage shown by a man whose determination and will, propelled him to the summit of the sport when the odds were stacked against him, will live long in the memory of boxing fans, as the day the Miracle Man conquered the world on Atlantic Avenue.
All photos by Amanda Kwok / SHOWTIME Golden Boy Promotions/Hoganphotos
