Freddie Roach receives WBC Trainer's Belt from Mark Magsayo
Legendary trainer Freddie Roach was pleasantly surprised by his recently crowned pupil, Filipino Mark Magsayo, who presented him with a WBC Trainer's Belt.
This recognition of the trainer of champions is inspired by the traditional towel used at all times by those who are one step behind the spotlight, inspiring the dedication of their pupils.
Young Magsayo defeated long-reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. in an entertaining fight this January, winning the World Boxing Council featherweight title from him, at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City.
With an undefeated record of 24 wins, Magsayo proved to be the best in his division. His guide and mentor is the legendary Freddie Roach, widely regarded as one of the best boxing coaches of all time.
As well as being the enduring coach of eight-weight champion Manny Pacquiao, 61-year-old Roach has also trained Puerto Rico's finest, Miguel Cotto; three-time world champion James Toney; and unified super-lightweight champ Amir Khan.
A pro himself, he won 40 from 53 fights and was crowned New England featherweight champion in 1981, when trained by Eddie Futch. As a youth, he was reportedly involved in over 300 street fights. His brothers, Joey and Pepper, were also pro boxers and once shared a bill in an historic night of boxing at the Boston Garden on June 11, 1982.
His last fight was in 1986 and has been training ever since. He has now trained 27 world champions and counting.
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