A Giant in the Sport of Boxing has been lost Today

By Nick "Homicide" Curly

11.10.01 - According to the Clark County coroner's office, professional boxing trainer, Eddie Futch has died at the age of 90.

Futch a Hall of Fame trainer has taken part in training numerous world champions through the years. Joe Frazier,Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks,Riddick Bowe just to name a few.

Futch, himself was a Golden Glove lightweight champion. Choosing never to turn pro, Futch took on the role of mentor and trainer. The breadth of his knowledge of the sport lent to the spawning of fighters of the highest quality.

A couple of months ago, while working on a article here on Eastside about Andrew Golota I contacted Mr. Futch to get his insight on the Bowe-Golota sagas. Eddie was not at home, but being the gentleman he was, returned my call.

"It was criminal what they let Bowe go through in that fight." Eddie said, sounding honestly frustrated at how the rematch was allowed to continue.

"If I had still been his trainer during that rematch, I would have stopped that fight. No fighter should endure that kind of punishment." Eddie went on to say.

"Riddick sounded like he has been in over 100 fights after being in there with Golota. The damage to Bowe was unnecessary."

Eddie spoke of his disdain of Rock Newman. As anyone who has ever dealt with Eddie knows, he had no problem speaking his mind.

One of Eddies last ring accomplishments was in assisting Montell Griffen in his win over Roy Jones Jr for the WBC light heavyweight title. "We had Roy so frustrated that he had to foul. We got inside Roys head." (Futch laughs)

"Roy uses his loss in the Olympics as a crutch. My fighter Montell Griffen lost a controversial decision to Torsten May in the Barcelona Olympics. You don't see him crying over it do you?" Eddie went on to say that Roy would never be a crowd pleaser. This should be noted that Eddie was not part of the Griffen/Jones rematch. If he was one would have to wonder if Jones would not have received his second career loss.

When I asked Eddie about his thoughts on the Klitschkos, he said he was impressed with the younger Klitshcko(Vlad). "That jab of his would make Joe Louis smile." High complements coming from someone who was a good friend of, the Brown Bomber as well as a sparring partner in 30's.

It was a real pleasure speaking with Eddie, a man with much wisdom.

EastsideBoxing would like to express its condolences and deepest sympathy to the surviving family of Eddie Futch, including his wife Eva. Eddie Futch will be greatly missed by all of boxing.

Note: Mr. Homicide Curly is an award winning writer, he can be reached with your comments at homicidecurly@yahoo.com