The WBC mourns the death of Héctor Roca
New York-based trainer, Héctor Roca, who worked with close to two dozen world champions has passed away aged 82.
Roca had been hospitalised since last month due to kidney failure and an abdominal aneurysm. Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade confirmed the sad news that Roca had passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack.
The WBC paid tribute: "The World Boxing Council and its President Mauricio Sulaimán, are in mourning, following the death of famous, distinguished and beloved trainer Héctor Roca.
"Héctor, of Panamanian origin, was an inexhaustible worker and he was blessed with the God given gift of patiently, inspirationally and brilliantly teaching boxing to hundreds of young people. What a talent!
"He was associated with the famous Gleason Gym all his life, from when it was in Manhattan to now as it is now in Brooklyn.
"Hector trained numerous champions including Iran Barkley, Arturo Gatti, Regilio Tuur, Buddy McGirt and so among others. Hilary Swank personally thanked Hector for his coaching and magnificent encouragement in her Oscar speech, after receiving her Academy Award for Million Dollar Baby. One Great recognizing and praising another! Reaching the shining Stars in their firmament glory!
"This is a monumental loss and we send the people closest to Héctor, of deepest condolences at this time tinged with great sorrow. But also thanking God for such a wonderful teacher and friend. Héctor loved expensive jewelry. With his passing we have assuredly and already lost a pearl of great price. A gem of a man.
"Rest In Peace Teacher."
Promoter Lou DiBella also paid tribute: "Rest in peace Héctor Roca, one of boxing's good guys. Héctor has been a fixture at Gleasons Gym and a pillar of the NYC boxing community forever. He'll be missed by so many of us. Love ro his family, friends and fighters."
His body is due to be taken home back to his native Panama, where he will be buried next to his mother.
