Casting Underway -

August 5, 2025

Casting Underway

**Casting of Fenech Kicks Off with Exciting Announcements**

The casting process for Fenech – The Jeff Fenech Story is officially underway, and the energy surrounding this stage of the production is nothing short of electric. While the search continues across Australia to find the perfect actor to take on the monumental role of Jeff Fenech himself, we’re also beginning to secure both lead and supporting roles that will bring this story to life with grit, passion, and authenticity.

“Finding real talent that can Act and Box is the tricky thing. But the search is on”.

A Nationwide Search for Jeff Fenech

Finding the right actor to embody Jeff Fenech is no small task. We’re casting our net wide across the country, determined to uncover someone who can truly capture the spirit, toughness, and heart of Australia’s own “Marrickville Mauler.” This role demands not just physical presence but also the ability to convey the emotional highs and lows of one of Australia’s most iconic sporting legends.

Authenticity in Every Corner

While the lead role remains the most significant casting decision, we’ve already begun filling some of the film’s vital supporting roles—and the results are incredible. We are thrilled to announce:

Gairy St Clair, former World Champion boxer, will step into the role of none other than Azumah Nelson, one of Fenech’s fiercest rivals in the ring. Having a real champion portraying a champion adds an unmatched level of authenticity to these pivotal fight scenes.

Peter Flaherty, someone Matt Norman has known as an incredible actor for decades, will portray Con, the loyal mate who was by Fenech’s side through thick and thin. This casting ensures the bond we see on screen will reflect the genuine friendship that shaped Jeff’s journey.

Ben Damon and Jon Harker, two of Australia’s most respected boxing commentators, will lend their voices and presence to the film by playing themselves as the fight commentators. Their inclusion not only grounds the film in reality but also recreates the electric atmosphere of those unforgettable nights in the ring.

“Some cast are real boxers and we’ll keep that throughout the casting process so we get the very best boxing we can on film…”

Why This Matters

Getting real figures from the boxing world—fighters, commentators, and lifelong friends of Jeff himself—injects Fenech with a powerful sense of truth. It ensures audiences don’t just watch the story unfold, they feel like they are there. These choices bring a richness and credibility that make the film stand out from a typical sports biopic.

The Road Ahead

As casting for the lead roles intensifies, these early announcements are a thrilling glimpse into the direction the film is taking. With authenticity at its heart, Fenech is shaping up to be not only a moving drama about Jeff Fenech’s extraordinary life but also a film that boxing fans, film lovers, and everyday Australians will connect with deeply.

The gloves are on, the stage is set, and casting has officially begun—this is only the beginning of what promises to be one of the most powerful Australian films in years.

news