THE SIDELINES : Boxer Fighting to Save Career

SYDNEY, Australia — Three-time world boxing champion Jeff Fenech of Australia entered a hospital today to undergo hand surgery in an attempt to save his career, trainer Johnny Lewis said.

Fenech, unbeaten in 24 fights and the current World Boxing Council featherweight champion, has been troubled by painful hands throughout his career.

He broke bones in both hands during a title defense against Marcos Villasana of Mexico in April and again injured his right hand last month when outpointing Mario Martinez of Mexico in a super-featherweight title elimination bout.

Fenech, 25, hopes to fight for a fourth world title early next year. He previously held the International Boxing Federation bantamweight and WBC super-bantamweight titles.

Lewis said the operation would involve the lengthening and possible reconstruction of tendons in Fenech’s right fist and would be performed by specialist Dr. Bruce Shepherd on Thursday.