In 2011, American boxer Daniel Jacobs was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of bone cancer, and was partially paralyzed. Told he would never walk again, Jacobs defied the odds by becoming WBA world middleweight champion in 2014.
In 2011, American boxer Daniel Jacobs was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of bone cancer, and was partially paralyzed. Told he would never walk again, Jacobs defied the odds by becoming WBA world middleweight champion in 2014.
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Jacobs praised his coach Andre Rozier (second from the right) for standing by him through his recovery. "This was the hardest challenge in my life and I couldn't do it alone," Jacobs says. "Andre supported me through that time 100% ... I love him to death."
Jacobs praised his coach Andre Rozier (second from the right) for standing by him through his recovery. "This was the hardest challenge in my life and I couldn't do it alone," Jacobs says. "Andre supported me through that time 100% ... I love him to death."
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Pictured, Jacobs recently retained his title by knocking out Sergio Mora in September 2016. Jacobs has recorded 29 knockouts in 33 pro fights.
Pictured, Jacobs recently retained his title by knocking out Sergio Mora in September 2016. Jacobs has recorded 29 knockouts in 33 pro fights.
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Rozier started coaching Jacobs when the boxer was 14, and was immediately impressed. "I saw the changes in maturity and his growth. I said, 'He is going to be a really good fighter,'" recalls Rozier.<br />
Rozier started coaching Jacobs when the boxer was 14, and was immediately impressed. "I saw the changes in maturity and his growth. I said, 'He is going to be a really good fighter,'" recalls Rozier.
As a talented youth boxer, Jacobs was named the "Golden Child". After overcoming cancer he received a new nickname -- "Miracle Man." Pictured, Jacobs works out at Gleason's Gym, in Brooklyn.
As a talented youth boxer, Jacobs was named the "Golden Child". After overcoming cancer he received a new nickname -- "Miracle Man." Pictured, Jacobs works out at Gleason's Gym, in Brooklyn.
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Jacobs' only professional loss was when he was knocked out by Dmitry Pirog in July 2010. Jacobs was fighting just a week after his grandmother, Cordelia Jacobs, died of lung cancer.
Jacobs' only professional loss was when he was knocked out by Dmitry Pirog in July 2010. Jacobs was fighting just a week after his grandmother, Cordelia Jacobs, died of lung cancer.
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Rozier says he has a father-and-son relationship with Jacobs. "[Rozier] taught me a lot about how to be man," Jacobs says. "He means the world to me."
Rozier says he has a father-and-son relationship with Jacobs. "[Rozier] taught me a lot about how to be man," Jacobs says. "He means the world to me."
Pictured, Jacobs winning his world Middleweight crown against Jarrod Fletcher, in August 2014. Rozier never doubted that Jacobs would become world champion. "His battle with cancer was truly the hardest battle he could ever face. Everything else was a walk in the park," he said.<br />
Pictured, Jacobs winning his world Middleweight crown against Jarrod Fletcher, in August 2014. Rozier never doubted that Jacobs would become world champion. "His battle with cancer was truly the hardest battle he could ever face. Everything else was a walk in the park," he said.
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Rozier is known for his no-nonsense training style and his passion for the sport. "I live, sleep, drink this sport of boxing," he said.
Rozier is known for his no-nonsense training style and his passion for the sport. "I live, sleep, drink this sport of boxing," he said.