Boxing World Champion Makes Stunning Health Admission
Former boxing world champion Tevin Farmer has shared a deeply personal health struggle for the first time.
The former IBF super-featherweight champion and recent WBC interim lightweight title belt contender shared on Monday that he has Tourette's Syndrome. Farmer, 34, said he felt compelled to share the news following "concern" about his "tick."
"I've kept this private for a long time but I see the concern and speculation about my tick. I have Tourette's Syndrome," Farmer tweeted. "I've dealt with it all my life. No neurological issues, so no need to worry. I'm still out here putting belt to a**! There you go, the rabbit's out of the hat."
He followed up with a tweet adding, "Just an FYI. I'm not going anywhere. I will be 2X Champion and that will be part of my legacy. I'm a DOG, ain't [no] quit in me. NOW YOU KNOW."
UNFORGETTABLE DISPLAY OF PASSION FROM BOTH FIGHTERS#ZepedaFarmer2 | LIVE on DAZN@DAZNboxing @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/s4MrIDjeAp
— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) March 30, 2025
According to the Mayo Clinic, Tourette's Syndrome is described as a medical disorder characterized by involuntary movements or sounds called tics. He also shared the news on Instagram and wrote in his caption, "With God by my side, I've been able to face every battle, even ones I never spoke about."
He added that he's choosing to share his personal struggle because it doesn't "define" him and "it's part of my testimony." He thanked his fiancée, family and those who support him.
Farmer's revelation came one day after his 135-pound rematch with William Zepeda on Saturday in Cancun, Mexico. It appeared as if Zepeda was going to cruise to a victory. At one point, it seemed as if the referee was about to stop the fight. Farmer looked discombobulated and defenseless before he miraculously kept himself in the fight thanks to punishing left uppercuts, particularly in Round 6.
Farmer, the American southpaw, gave a valiant effort despite a left hand injury. The electric fight went the distance, but the judges gave Zepeda a majority decision win. While one judge scored it 114–114, the two other judges gave the nod to Zepeda, 116–112, and 115–113, respectively.
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Farmer's record dropped 33–8–1 while Mexico's Zepeda remains undefeated with a 32–0 record and on track to challenge Shakur Stevenson for the WBC lightweight belt. After the loss, Farmer claimed he was robbed.
"Hell of a fight Saturday," he tweeted. "Zepeda did not beat me. The judges did. It's crazy to say, but I'm kind of used to it."