Eddie Futch is regarded as one of the greatest boxing trainers of all time, shaping the careers of more than 20 world champions.
He was in Joe Frazier’s corner for the ‘Fight of the Century’ against Muhammad Ali in 1971, and he famously pulled Frazier from out in their brutal Thrilla in Manila trilogy fight to protect his charge.
Futch also guided heavyweight champions Ken Norton, Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes. The Hall of Fame trainer from Mississippi emphasised defence, ring intelligence, and preserving a fighter’s long-term well-being.
Despite Frazier and Holmes’ historic significance, various sources report that Futch considered Riddick Bowe the most naturally talented fighter he ever worked with.
Bowe became the undisputed world heavyweight champion in 1992 after defeating Evander Holyfield. He was a skilled fighter with power and size, but despite big nights under the lights – like his legendary trilogy with Holyfield – he is also remembered for unfulfilled potential due to outside-the-ring issues and inconsistent dedication to training.
In fact, it was a lack of dedication that led Futch to call time on the partnership after a 1996 disqualification win against Andrew Golota. Later, he would say:
“For a while it worked well despite my first misgivings, but in the end I could see that it wasn’t right,” Futch recalled. “Riddick just wasn’t prepared to take the discipline that goes with being a champion.”
Futch’s advancing years likely also played a part in the decision. He would only advise fighters going forward, not taking on a head trainer role. He did in 2001 aged 90, having trained 22 world champions and been involved in some of boxing’s most memorable nights.
Bowe rematched Golota later that year, with the latter again being disqualified for low blows. He would stay out of the ring until 2004, before three lower level wins and retirement in 2008.
