Imagine a boxing hall of fame, but instead of fighters, it's filled with the legendary trainers who shaped them. Who would be at the top? The 20th century was a golden age for boxing, and the American trainers of that era were nothing short of brilliant. They guided some of the most iconic fighters in history. Think of Angelo Dundee, the mastermind behind champions like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and José Nápoles. Then there's Ray Arcel, who trained Tony Zale, Ezzard Charles, and Roberto Durán. And let's not forget Emanuel Steward, the driving force behind Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, and Wladimir Klitschko.
But there's another name that deserves to be etched in boxing history: Eddie Futch. A true technician, Futch was known for his no-nonsense approach and his ability to get the best out of his fighters. He even mentored Freddie Roach, the current chief of the Wildcard Gym. Futch, who passed away in October 2001 at the age of 90, worked with countless world champions. But in a 1991 Sports Illustrated interview, he singled out one fighter above all others.
Among his top picks were the light-heavyweight destroyer Bob Foster and the Nicaraguan icon Alexis Argüello. However, the fighter who reigned supreme in Futch's eyes was the man who helped him defeat Muhammad Ali. This was the same fighter whose suffering prompted Futch to end one of the greatest heavyweight trilogies of all time: Joe Frazier.
Futch described 'Smokin' Joe' as having "the greatest heart of all; he fought from bell to bell. Every trainer should have one Joe Frazier in his life."
Their partnership began in 1967, when Futch started as an opponent scout for Frazier's team, led by Yank “Bull” Durham. He later became a cutman and eventually took over as head trainer after Durham's death in 1973.
And this is the part most people remember... Futch famously stopped the fight in the rubber match against Ali – “The Thrilla in Manila” – in October 1975 after 14 rounds of brutal combat. He told his weary warrior: "Sit down, son. It's all over. No one will ever forget what you did here today."
What do you think? Do you agree with Futch's assessment of Frazier? Who do you think is the greatest trainer of all time, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
