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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Keywords: boxing, eddie futch, freddie roach, manny pacquiao
