Former boxing champion Bobby Czyz, once known as "The Matinee Idol," now faces his toughest opponent yet: cancer. The 63-year-old Wanaque native, whose career saw him grace the covers of boxing magazines and win multiple titles, has endured a series of setbacks throughout his life. From financial ruin following a severe car accident to battling aggressive cancer, Czyz remains resilient. His determination to overcome this latest challenge reflects a lifetime of perseverance against all odds. Despite the physical toll that cancer has taken on his appearance, Czyz is focused on winning what he calls the biggest fight of his life.

Czyz's journey from a celebrated boxer to a cashier at a ShopRite supermarket illustrates the unpredictable nature of life. In his prime, he was a rising star in the sport, drawing crowds with his compelling backstory and rugged good looks. He won the IBF light-heavyweight title in 1986 and later claimed the WBA cruiserweight belt in 1991. His career even led him to Madison Square Garden for a title bout against Evander Holyfield and to ringside commentary for Showtime. However, personal struggles began to mount. A series of DUI arrests and a devastating car crash left him in a coma for nearly a month, pushing him into financial ruin and forcing him to work as a cashier to pay off medical debts.

The diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer in his right nostril last August marked another significant setback. Surgery removed the tumor but left him needing extensive reconstructive surgery. Czyz describes his current appearance as resembling that of "the Elephant Man," due to the flap of skin on his nose. Yet, despite these challenges, he remains optimistic. Drawing strength from his aunt's battle with cancer and his own unbreakable spirit, Czyz refuses to accept defeat. He plans to continue fighting cancer with every ounce of energy he has, determined to emerge victorious.

Czyz's life has been marked by both triumphs and trials. From overcoming an abusive childhood and the loss of his father to suicide, he has faced adversity head-on. Now, as he prepares for reconstructive surgery, he is focused on beating cancer and rebuilding his life once more. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit's capacity to endure. Through it all, Czyz remains steadfast in his resolve, vowing to fight until the very end.