Jacobs, 27, was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease that culminated in a major operation to repair a broken spine, and at one point it seemed that he would never fight again.
‘The Miracle Man’ proved everybody wrong though, and after returning in October 2012, Jacobs recorded five straight knockouts to gain a shot at the WBA middleweight title in his hometown.
That record now stands a six in a row after Jacobs blasted out Jarrod Fletcher in five rounds at the Barclays Center and immediately called on WBO title holder Peter Quillin to unify the belts. The American could have ended the contest with Fletcher in the very first round, although the tough Aussie battled back – but just as ‘Left Jab’ was enjoying his most successful round, he was taken out by Jacobs in punishing style.
With just eight seconds left of the fifth, Fletcher’s corner, in conjunction with the ringside doctor, ended the contest with Jacobs hitting home with some damaging shots to head and body.
It was an emotional time for Jacobs, whose brought his family into the ring to celebrate with him – as the new champion toasted a remarkable comeback to reach the pinnacle of the sport at the second attempt.
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