Much-loved cricket legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott has revealed he has been diagnosed with throat cancer for the second time.
The 83-year-old will undergo surgery later this month in am attempt to beat the disease he was initially diagnosed with in 2002, at the age of 62.
In a statement to the Daily Telegraph in London, Boycott shared the shattering news.
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“In the last few weeks I have had an MRI scan, CT scan, a PET scan and two biopsies and it has now been confirmed I have throat cancer and will require an operation,” he said.
“From past experience I realise that to overcome cancer a second time I will need excellent medical treatment and quite a bit of luck and, even if the operation is successful, every cancer patient knows they have to live with the possibility of it returning.
“So I will just get on with it and hope for the best.”
Boycott played 108 Tests for England and scored 151 first-class centuries in a 25-year career.
The former Yorkshire and England batter was famous for dour style of play and defensive mindset.
Off the field, he had a dry wit and was a loveable curmudgeon, however, that often got him into trouble with fans and his teammates.
He subsequently spent 14 years as a pundit on the BBC’s Test Match Special before retiring in 2020.
Fans were quick to react when they heard the news.
“Terrible news. Stay strong Geoffrey Boycott, you’ll fight it off again!” the Armchair Cricket Podcast account said.
“Get well soon champ. Hope and pray you can beat this illness the 2nd time,” another corporate account said.
And a fan said: “Damn. So sorry to hear this. Good luck Geoffrey Boycott. A hero of mine growing up where he was born and watching him through my childhood.
– With Cameron Noakes