By Paul Upham: The International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York has lowered its flags to half-mast in memory of legendary boxing trainer Eddie Futch, who passed away on October 10 at the age of 90.
“Eddie Futch was one of the finest trainers in the history of boxing,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “He was also one of the finest human beings. He will be missed.”
Futch won the Detroit Golden Gloves championship in 1933 and sparred with a young Joe Louis. When doctors discovered a heart murmur, Futch turned his attention from boxing to training.
Among the over twenty world champions he piloted are Don Jordan, Bob Foster, Alexis Arguello, Mike McCallum, Virgil Hill, and heavyweight champions Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Trevor Berbick and Riddick Bowe. Futch retired from training in 1998. In 1994, Futch was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Paul Upham
Contributing Editor
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