By Tommaso Nappo: When you discuss some of the greatest trainers of all time two names are guaranteed to pop up Eddie Futch, and Manny Steward. Sure there are a number of great ones, Angelo Dundee, George Benton, Freddie Roach, Nacho Berstain, Nazim Richardson, The Mayweathers Roger and Sr we could go on and on.
These two men have the longevity, in the sport at a top level. Having worked with a tremendous amount of fighters more often then not leading them to greater success then previously attained. They have been involved in some of the biggest fights in the sports history.
Eddie Futch the Hall of Famer is a 1933 Golden Gloves Champion from Detroit. He trained 22 world champions over his career. It reads like a who’s who of professional boxing – Joe Frazier, Alexis Arguello ,Riddeck Bowe, Larry Holmes, Montell Griffin, Bob Foster, Mike McCallum, Ken Norton, Mike Spinks,Trevor Berbick to name a few. His first world Champion was Don Jordan who won the Welterweight title in 1958. Futch fighters were responsible for handing three Hall of Fame fighters there first loss. Ali ( Joe Frazier), Holyfield (“Big” Daddy” Riddick Bowe), and Roy Jones Jr (Montell Griffin). Futch stated in an eastsideboxing.com article that “We had Roy so frustrated he had to foul. We were in his head” He also went on to say that “Roy Jones would never be a crowd pleaser” which proved to be true. Papa Smurf , as Futch was affectionately called by Riddeck Bowe was never afraid to speak his mind , and make difficult decisions but he was a man of principle. For example not allowing Frazier out for the last round in Manilla was based on his placing the safety of his fighter as priority number one.He walked away from Riddeck Bowe partly because of what he perceived Bowe’s lack of commitment, and his sever dislike of Rock Newman Futch also had an ability to predict fights and more specifically upsets which was very impressive. He predicted Douglas over Tyson, Frankie Randall over Chavez, Holyfield over Tyson, and McCall over Lewis. Current trainer Freddie Roach is a protege of Futch (whom he calls the greatest trainer of all time) and credits him for any knowledge or success he has as a trainer. Futch has passed away leaving a legacy as a trainer second to none.
Manny Steward is also a Hall of Famer and Golden Glove Champion( 1963 Bantamweight)compiling an impressive amateur record of 94 wins, 3 loses. Steward’s association with the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit started in 1971. The Kronk Gym and Steward began producing some top amateur contenders. Steward’s first world champion was Hilmer Kenty who became a lightweight title holder. other notable fighters Steward has worked with and guided( besides his the fighter he is most associated with Thomas “Hitman” Hearns) – Denis Andries, Wifred Benitez, Julio Cesar Chavez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Naseem Hamed, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer, Oliver McCall, Gerald McClellan, James Toney, Jermain Taylor.
Steward stresses fundamentals to his fighters he stated ( in an Eastsideboxing.com interview) ” Balance is the foundation of everything”, Next important is”Executing punches with the shortest distance and least amount of movement”. Steward believes that “The more you spar the more relaxed you become, and the more you can see or feel what is about to happen”. Finally he stresses a good left jab that opens holes on other fighters”. He believes that a guys style is his style and that you don’t make drastic changes to a guys style just tweak it
Steward proudest moments he claims are – “Holyfield beating Riddeck Bowe, Oliver McCall knocking out Lennox Lewis, and Hilmer Kenty winning the first world title.” Manny is still as active as ever, and while he has totally resurrected Wladimir Klitschko’s career it will be interesting to see if he can do the same for Miguel Cotto who many people are writing off as damaged goods.
Both trainers were able to bring a sense of confidence,calm,and control ; with effective instruction being communicated clearly to their respected corners. This was clearly an advantage for any fighter they were assisting. These two gentleman were able to not only formulate a successful game plan, but were able to adapt and make necessary changes in between rounds to ensure their man was put in the best possible situation to succeed. That is what separates a good trainer from a great one, and in an era where we throw around the term great way to easily these trainers are two of the greatest trainers ever.
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