Dedham’s Freddie “The Choir Boy” Roach was honored with a record-setting fourth Eddie Futch Award for trainer of the year by the Boxing Writers Association of America on Monday.
Among other fighters, Roach currently trains seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs), WBA light-welterweight titlist Amir Khan (22-1, 16 KOs), and WBA middleweight champ Felix Sturm (33-2-1, 14 KOs).
Roach was also deservedly awarded with the prestigious accolade in 2003, 2006, and 2008.
The late Futch trained Roach (39-13, 15 KOs) until the former Massachusetts lightweight decided to retire from the sport to become Futch’s assistant.
Not only is Roach a tremendous trainer, he is also widely reported to be a truly nice and engaging individual away from the brutal world of prizefighting.
Sadly, Roach was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years ago.
Nevertheless, Roach is determined to not allow his ailment to diminish his daily activities.
“My doctors tell me that someday it (Parkinson’s) would affect me where I can no longer function as well as I do,” said Roach, 49. “Until that day happens, I am going to work my (expletive) off.”
Freddie Roach is an intriguing figure and he is simply an inspiration both inside and outside of the ring.
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Well I have heard of this guy but I can honestly say that I dont know all to much about him. I dont follow boxing all that much these days. I only known what I know from sportscenter.
Roach is my favorite current trainer in boxing asides from Emmanuel Lewis. Roch has a tremendous resume and he deserves everything that he gets. Throughout his career he has been controversial at times but it can be stated that boxers that train under him only get better.
ha ha sorry about that I meant Emmanuel Steward I always get those names mixed up.