LEGENDARY boxing coach Naazim Richardson has passed away.
The “larger-than-life” personality trained the likes of Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley during a distinguished career in the sport.
Legendary trainer Naazim Richardson has sadly passed awayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Shane Mosley worked with legendary coach Richardson Credit: AFP – Getty
And the boxing community has come together to mourn his tragic passing.
Evander Holyfield tweeted: “Today we lost a legend in the #Boxing community. RIP Nazim Richardson.”
Heavyweight pro Eddie Chambers wrote: “NOOOOOO!!! R.I.P. NAAZIM RICHARDSON!!!”
And he then added: “Thank You For Being a Mentor in my life Naazim Richardson!! Rest in Power!!”
Fans also joined in the tributes, with one writing: “Sorry to hear that. Fantastic trainer, RIP Naz”.
Another added: “Naazim Richardson? That’s a bigger loss for the boxing community than it probably realizes. Damn.”
A third wrote: “Naazim Richardson was one of the great teachers. Sharp, sharp boxing mind. He will be missed.”
And another poignantly added: “Naazim Richardson was a #boxing trainer, a teacher, a gentleman and a man’s man. It was an honor knowing him. Rest In Peace and power, Brother Naazim.”
Everyone has a story that could have ended their lives or stopped their careers. But somehow we found a way to not fall victim to those challenges.
Bernard Hopkins
Richardson was raised in Philadelphia before leaving home at just 14-years-old.
The New York Times wrote of the great man’s relationship with his craft: “Boxing took Richardson from the streets that almost swallowed him in north Philadelphia, gave him energy and purpose.”
Hopkins, who worked with Richardson, told the Philadelphia Inquirer of his coach and mentor back in 2014: “We feed off each other’s adversity.
“Everyone has a story that could have ended their lives or stopped their careers. But somehow we found a way to not fall victim to those challenges.
“It’s good to know that he’s a fighter, not a quitter.”
Former cruiserweight champ Steve Cunningham is also among those to have worked with Richardson.
The Philadelphia-native had to temporarily take a step back from the sport in 2007 after suffering a stroke.
But he returned better than ever, working alongside Mosley for the three biggest fights of “Sugar”‘s career between 2009 and 2011 – against Antonio Margarito, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
