Boxing is a sport that requires not only physical strength, skill, and endurance, but also mental toughness, strategy, and discipline. Behind every great boxer, there is a great trainer who guides, motivates, and challenges them to reach their full potential. But who is the best boxing trainer of all time? This is a difficult question to answer, as different trainers have different styles, methods, and achievements. However, based on some criteria such as the number and quality of boxers trained, the impact and influence on the sport, and the recognition and awards received, we can narrow down the list to some of the most outstanding candidates. Here are some of the names that deserve to be considered as the best boxing trainer ever.

Eddie Futch

Eddie Futch is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxing trainers of all time. He trained 22 world champions, including Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, and Trevor Berbick. He is best known for his strategic brilliance and his ability to exploit the weaknesses of his opponents. He devised the game plan that helped Frazier hand Muhammad Ali his first defeat in the “Fight of the Century” in 1971. He also coached Norton to a stunning upset over Ali in 1973, breaking his jaw in the process. Futch was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994 and was named the best boxing trainer of the last 75 years by Ring Magazine in 1997.

Angelo Dundee

Angelo Dundee was the legendary trainer of Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time. He worked with Ali from his Olympic gold medal in 1960 to his final fight in 1981, helping him win the world heavyweight title three times. Dundee was more than just a trainer, he was a friend, a confidant, and a mentor to Ali. He knew how to bring out the best in him, whether it was by giving him pep talks, adjusting his gloves, or cutting his eye in the “Thrilla in Manila”. Dundee also trained other great boxers such as Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Jimmy Ellis, and Carmen Basilio. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year award five times.

Emanuel Steward

Emanuel Steward was the founder and head trainer of the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit, where he produced many world champions and Olympic medalists. He trained some of the most dominant and exciting fighters of the modern era, such as Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko, Oscar De La Hoya, and Evander Holyfield. He was renowned for his technical expertise, his motivational skills, and his ability to adapt to different styles and situations. He was also a respected commentator and analyst for HBO Boxing. Steward was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996 and received the Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year award seven times.

Freddie Roach

Freddie Roach is the current trainer of Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions. He has been with Pacquiao since 2001, transforming him from a one-dimensional puncher to a versatile and explosive fighter. Roach has also trained other notable boxers such as Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, James Toney, and Mike Tyson. He is known for his meticulous preparation, his attention to detail, and his aggressive and offensive approach. He has overcome his own challenges, such as Parkinson’s disease, to become one of the most successful and respected trainers in the sport. Roach was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year award six times.

Conclusion

These are just some of the names that could be considered as the best boxing trainer of all time. There are many others who have made significant contributions to the sport and have trained great boxers, such as Cus D’Amato, Ray Arcel, Teddy Atlas, Nacho Beristain, and Robert Garcia. Ultimately, the best boxing trainer is the one who can bring out the best in their boxer, who can inspire them to achieve greatness, and who can leave a lasting legacy in the sport.