Former triple world-boxing champion Jeff Fenech was recovering yesterday after being viciously attacked by four men in Sydney on Sunday evening.

The 39-year-old Maltese descendant had his right cheek slashed open as he met fans outside a restaurant he co-owns at Brighton-le-Sands on Sunday.

Mr Fenech was attacked outside the Enigma Greek restaurant after a dinner to mark his return from a trip to Canada with super-middleweight Danny Green.

He had dined with his wife Suzee, their two children, his mother-in-law, former footballer Mario Fenech, boxer Peter Mitrevski, cornerman Frank Grech and a journalist.

Having put his children and mother-in-law into a rented car heading home, Mr Fenech stood outside the restaurant, talking to fans. Suddenly, he was set upon by four men, who came out of a car.

He underwent cosmetic surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital for a gash on his upper cheek caused by a broken bottle. During the operation, the surgeon covered a 4cm by 2cm wound.

"I could have lost an eye or had my throat cut," Mr Fenech told the Australian press.

Quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Fenech lived up to his hard-man image and promised revenge: "I don't want no charges done. I want to see these people for myself and I want them to know that I'm going to see them. They can bring 50 of them. We can do one-on-one for as long as it takes."

The police said Mr Fenech's attackers were travelling in a small blue car. It is understood they have the registration details and expect early arrests.

Born of Maltese immigrants, Mr Fenech retired in 1996 after having won three weight division titles through 20 fights in just over three years.

He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002 and is now one of the country's top boxing coaches and trains Australia's newest world titleholder, Danny Green.

Mr Fenech was captain of the Australian boxing team at the 1984 Olympic games.

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