Debating with your friends who’s the best Boxing coach?
Cus D’Amato, Freddie Roach, or Emanuel Steward?
Here is our list of the best Boxing coaches of all time.
Do you agree with our picks?
Best Boxing Coaches:
- Cus D’Amato
- Freddie Roach
- Emanuel Steward
- Angelo Dundee
- Ray Arcel
- Eddie Futch
- Nacho Beristain
- Lou Duva
- Teddy Atlas
- Kevin Rooney
- Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Table of Contents
#1 Cus D’Amato
- 🏆 Achievements: Developed World Champions such as Mike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, and José Torres
- 📅 Years Active: 1930s–1980s
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Mike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, José Torres
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Cus D’Amato was renowned for his psychological approach to coaching and his development of the “peek-a-boo” boxing style. This style emphasized head movement, blocking, and continuous motion to create offensive opportunities.
D’Amato’s impact on boxing transcends his work as a trainer; he also served as a mentor and father figure to his fighters, particularly Mike Tyson, whom he adopted after Tyson’s mother passed away.
Though he was a controversial figure at times, D’Amato’s legacy in the boxing world is solidified through the success of his fighters and his innovative coaching methods that have influenced trainers for decades.
#2 Freddie Roach
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of multiple world champions, including Manny Pacquiao; Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year (multiple times)
- 📅 Years Active: 1986–Present
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, James Toney, Julio César Chávez Jr., Georges St-Pierre
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Freddie Roach has established himself as one of the most respected and successful coaches in boxing history. His impressive trainer career stems from his earlier years as a professional boxer under the tutelage of the legendary Eddie Futch.
His long-time partnership with Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao brought unprecedented success, with Pacquiao winning titles in eight different weight classes. Roach’s experience as a fighter has given him keen insights into technique and strategy, which he imparts to his pupils.
Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood has become a hub for fighters looking to improve their game, with Roach’s expertise and fervent dedication to the sport being the main draw.
#3 Emanuel Steward
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of numerous world champions; Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year; International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee
- 📅 Years Active: 1971–2012
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Emanuel Steward was a legendary boxing coach and an instrumental figure in the careers of many world champions. His Kronk Gym in Detroit became legendary for producing top-tier fighters, most notably Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns.
Steward was recognized for his exceptional technical knowledge and his ability to improve a boxer’s punching power and overall skillset. His adaptive coaching skills were evident in the successes of heavyweights like Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.
His passing in 2012 left a void in the boxing community, but his influence continues to live on through the fighters he coached and fellow trainers who have been inspired by his work.
#4 Angelo Dundee
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard; International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee
- 📅 Years Active: 1950s–2012
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Carmen Basilio, Willie Pastrano
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Angelo Dundee is best-known for his work with Muhammad Ali, helping the heavyweight fighter claim his first world championship and remain at the sport’s pinnacle for decades. Dundee’s strategies and corner work were pivotal in some of Ali’s most famous bouts.
He was also highly instrumental in Sugar Ray Leonard’s career, guiding him through significant fights that have become part of boxing lore. Dundee’s ability to read the ebb and flow of a fight and offer sage advice between rounds was unparalleled.
Dundee’s legacy as a trainer and cornerman lies not just in the champions he produced, but in the respect he garnered from the boxing community for his sportsmanship and his deep understanding of the sweet science.
#5 Ray Arcel
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of 20 world champions; International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee
- 📅 Years Active: 1920s–1980s
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Roberto Durán, Benny Leonard, Ezzard Charles, Tony Zale, Barney Ross
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Ray Arcel’s coaching career spanned more than six decades, during which time he established himself as one of the most knowledgeable and respected trainers in boxing history.
His tactical genius was evident as he adapted his training methods to suit the individual strengths and weaknesses of his fighters. He was known for his cerebral approach to the sport, studying opponents intensively and planning meticulous strategies.
Arcel’s contributions to boxing were recognized with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. His storied career and the lasting success of his fighters are a testament to his profound impact on the sport.
#6 Eddie Futch
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of multiple world champions; Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year; International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee
- 📅 Years Active: 1950s–1990s
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Eddie Futch is revered as one of the greatest boxing trainers of all time, with a professional coaching career that stretched across five decades. He was lauded for his detailed understanding of boxing mechanics and for his compassionate yet disciplined approach to coaching.
Futch’s most prominent pupil, Joe Frazier, defeated Muhammad Ali in the “Fight of the Century,” in part thanks to Futch’s superior strategy and training. His wisdom extended beyond the gym, influencing the tactical approaches of a generation of boxers and coaches.
His dedication to the sport and his fighters’ development earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Futch left an indelible mark on the sweet science and set a standard for future trainers to aspire to.
#7 Nacho Beristain
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of numerous world champions; International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee
- 📅 Years Active: 1970s–Present
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Juan Manuel Márquez, Daniel Zaragoza, Ricardo López
- 🌐 Nationality: Mexican
Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain is a Mexican boxing legend with a reputation for creating disciplined and technically proficient fighters. His Romanza Gym in Mexico City is famed for its rigorous training regimen and attention to the fundamentals of boxing.
Beristain has coached a plethora of world champions, with Juan Manuel Márquez being one of his most successful and renowned fighters. Beristain’s fighters are known for their conditioning, strategic prowess, and skillful execution of the intricate aspects of boxing.
His induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame reflects his outstanding contributions to the sport. Beristain’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of dedication, a strong mental game, and an unwavering commitment to technical excellence.
#8 Lou Duva
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer and manager of multiple world champions; International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee
- 📅 Years Active: 1960s–2010s
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Mark Breland
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Lou Duva was a prominent figure in the world of boxing, not only as a trainer but also as a manager and promoter. His larger-than-life personality and passion for the sport made him a beloved character in the boxing community.
Through his work with Main Events Promotions, Duva played a pivotal role in guiding the careers of numerous fighters, including the 1984 US Olympic boxing team members who became professional world champions under his tutelage.
His Hall of Fame induction is a testament to his success and lasting impact on the sport. Lou Duva’s name is synonymous with boxing excellence, and his legacy is carried on by the champions he helped create and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
#9 Teddy Atlas
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of Michael Moorer, Timothy Bradley; renowned boxing commentator and analyst
- 📅 Years Active: 1970s–Present
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Michael Moorer, Timothy Bradley, Alexander Povetkin
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Teddy Atlas, a disciple of the legendary Cus D’Amato, is recognized for his deep knowledge of the sport and his fiery motivational skills. His emotional coaching style and attention to detail have been instrumental in guiding fighters to victory.
He led Michael Moorer to become a world champion and has been credited with revitalizing the careers of several boxers. Atlas’s work outside the ring as a boxing analyst for various networks has also contributed greatly to the sport.
His charitable efforts, particularly through the Dr. Atlas Foundation, show a commitment to community service beyond his boxing career. Teddy Atlas remains an influential voice in boxing, with his sharp insights and passionate commentary.
#10 Kevin Rooney
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer of Mike Tyson during his rise to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion
- 📅 Years Active: 1980s–Present
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Mike Tyson, Vinny Pazienza, Michael Grant
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Kevin Rooney, another protégé of Cus D’Amato, is best known for training the young Mike Tyson and helping him develop his ferocious and effective fighting style. Rooney was instrumental in Tyson’s early success and his ascent to heavyweight glory.
He is noted for employing the peek-a-boo style of boxing with his fighters, focusing on head movement, speed, and aggressive combinations. Rooney’s influence on Tyson’s career is considered significant, particularly during Tyson’s peak years.
Even though his partnership with Tyson was short-lived, Rooney’s impact as a coach during that period was undeniable, and he continues to be recognized for his contributions to the sport.
#11 Floyd Mayweather Sr.
- 🏆 Achievements: Trainer and father of Floyd Mayweather Jr.; instrumental in developing Mayweather’s defensive prowess
- 📅 Years Active: 1980s–Present
- 👕 Fighters Coached: Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Laila Ali
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Floyd Mayweather Sr. is recognized both for his role in molding his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr., into one of the greatest boxers of all time and for his work with other renowned fighters. His emphasis on defense and counterpunching has shaped the landscape of modern boxing.
He possesses a keen eye for detail and a strict training regimen that has resulted in fighters with outstanding defensive skills and ring intelligence. Mayweather Sr.’s poetry-spoken trash-talking has also become part of his signature style.
The Mayweather boxing legacy can be greatly attributed to Floyd Sr.’s influence, and his contributions to the tactical elements of the sport will be remembered as part of boxing’s rich history.
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FAQ
Who is the greatest boxing coach of all time?
Cus D’Amato is often hailed as the greatest boxing coach for his work with legends like Mike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, and José Torres.
Who was the most successful boxing coach?
Eddie Futch is considered the most successful boxing coach, having trained four heavyweight champions, including Joe Frazier and Larry Holmes.
