Daniel Jacobs Bio
Daniel Jacobs (born February 3, 1987) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2007 to 2024. He held the World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight title from 2014 to 2017 and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight title from 2018 to 2019. Known as the “Miracle Man,” Jacobs overcame osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, and became the first cancer survivor to win and defend a major world title during his career.
Early Life and Background
Jacobs was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York City. He was raised by his mother, Yvette Jacobs, and grandmother, Cordelia Jacobs. He graduated from Erasmus High School. Growing up in Brooklyn, Jacobs developed an early passion for boxing, which would shape his future career.
Path to Boxing
As an amateur, Jacobs compiled an impressive record of 137 wins and 7 losses. He won multiple national championships, including the Junior Olympics national championship at 154 pounds in 2003 and the National Golden Gloves welterweight and middleweight championships in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Jacobs also won four New York Golden Gloves titles and nearly qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. His amateur success laid a strong foundation for his professional career.
Daniel Jacobs Career
Early Career (2007–2011)
Jacobs made his professional debut on December 8, 2007, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, winning by first-round technical knockout. He quickly gained recognition as a blue-chip prospect, signing with Golden Boy Promotions and frequently appearing on undercards of major fights. Jacobs won the NABO middleweight title in 2009 and challenged for the vacant WBO middleweight championship in 2010 but suffered his first professional loss by knockout to Dmitry Pirog.
Jacobs won his next two fights before his career was interrupted by a cancer diagnosis in 2011.
Return and WBA Middleweight Champion (2012–2017)
After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2011, Jacobs underwent treatment and made a remarkable comeback in October 2012 with a first-round knockout victory. He captured the vacant WBA (Regular) middleweight title in August 2014 with a fifth-round TKO over Jarrod Fletcher. Jacobs successfully defended the title multiple times, including notable wins against Caleb Truax, Sergio Mora, and Peter Quillin, showcasing his power and technical skill.
Jacobs’ reign as WBA champion solidified his status as one of the top middleweights in the world. His victory over Quillin in 2015 was particularly impressive, ending in a first-round TKO in just 85 seconds.
IBF Middleweight Champion and Later Career (2018–2024)
In 2018, Jacobs won the vacant IBF middleweight title by defeating Sergiy Derevyanchenko via split decision in a closely contested bout. He defended the title before losing it to Saul “Canelo” Álvarez in a unification fight in 2019. Jacobs then moved up to super middleweight, making his debut against Julio César Chávez Jr. in December 2019, winning by fifth-round TKO.
Jacobs continued competing in the super middleweight division with mixed results, including a split decision win over Gabriel Rosado and a loss to John Ryder in 2022. After a period of inactivity, he returned to the ring in 2024 but suffered a unanimous decision loss to Shane Mosley Jr.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jacobs was known for his orthodox stance, powerful right hand, and tactical boxing ability. He combined technical skill with aggression, excelling at controlling distance and delivering precise counterpunches. His resilience and ring intelligence allowed him to adapt to different opponents and styles throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jacobs’ career is highlighted by his inspiring comeback from bone cancer, earning him the nickname “Miracle Man.” He became the first cancer survivor to win and defend a major world title. His fights against top middleweights like Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Álvarez were career-defining moments, showcasing his elite level of competition.
Daniel Jacobs Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Daniel Jacobs amassed 37 wins, including 30 by knockout, out of 42 total fights. His victories spanned multiple middleweight and super middleweight bouts, capturing prestigious world titles and defending them successfully.
Middleweight Highlights
Jacobs secured the WBA (Regular) middleweight title in 2014 and defended it multiple times with dominant performances. He later won the IBF middleweight title in 2018 after a hard-fought split decision victory. His first professional loss came early in his career, but he rebounded to become a two-time world champion in the middleweight division.
Super Middleweight Wins
After moving up in weight, Jacobs won notable fights including a decisive TKO over Julio César Chávez Jr. in 2019. He continued to compete at super middleweight, facing tough opponents and maintaining his reputation as a skilled and powerful boxer.
Daniel Jacobs Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jacobs was raised by his mother, Yvette Jacobs, and grandmother, Cordelia Jacobs, in Brooklyn. His family played a significant role in supporting his boxing career and recovery from cancer.
Personal Life
Jacobs has a son. He has kept much of his personal life private, focusing public attention on his boxing career and inspirational comeback story.
2025 Season Performance
After announcing his retirement in 2024, Jacobs expressed openness to returning for a potential bout in 2025. He has indicated interest in high-profile fights that could further cement his legacy. His career achievements and resilience continue to inspire fans and the boxing community alike.