Boxing has lost a legend today. Legendary Hall of Fame trainer, Lou Duva, has passed away today at the age of 95.
Lou Duva was in the corner for so many unforgettable fights. The one fight that has always stayed with me was the Meldrick Taylor vs. Julio Cesar Chavez bout on March 17, 1990. Meldrick Taylor largely controlled the bout and seemed on his way to a victory until he was floored in round twelve. Taylor beat the count, but the fight was stopped with just two seconds left by referee Richard Steele. Lou Duva went absolutely crazy on Richard Steele. To this day, I have no idea what he said to Richard Steele, but I can tell you that it didn't look comfortable.
Duva was also in the corner for Andrew Golota on the night he fought Riddick Bowe. The fight took place on July 11, 1996 at Madison Square Garden. Golota was doing well, but fouling Bowe constantly with low blows. Golota was ultimately disqualified for low blows and a riot ensued. Bowe supporters swarmed the ring and attacked members of the Golota camp. Duva suffered a heart attack during the post fight riot. It was one of the scariest scenes your likely to see in boxing.
Lou Duva trained 15 world champions including Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Evander Holyfield, Mark Breland, Vinny Paz, Rocky Lockridge, and many more.
Duva received the Manager of the Year Award (1984) and Long Meritorious Service Award (1993) from the Boxing Writers Association of America. The WBA named him "Trainer of the Year" in 1987 and 1994. Lou Duva was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998.
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