Lou Duva, Trainer of Champions, Dies at 94
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
New York, NY (March 9th, 2017)– Legendary Hall of Fame boxing trainer Lou Duva has died at age 94.
Lou Duva was more than just a boxing trainer, matchmaker and promoter during his lifetime. He was a truck driver, U.S. Army boxing instructor, professional clown in costume, restauranteur, ran a trucking business, gymnasium owner, bail bondsman, and more. He handled 19 world boxing champions, training and promoting them to the top.
Lou and his late son Dan Duva and daughter Kathy Duva were the brains behind Main Events Promotions. Many boxing cards were staged at Ice World in Totowa, New Jersey.
Lou managed such fighters as Joey Giardello, Rocky Lockridge, Johnny Bumphus, Zab Judah, Shaun George, and Michael Marrone. Lou trained Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield, Meldrick Taylor, Michael Moorer, Vinny Pazienza, Mark Breland, Jose Luis Lopez, Andrew Golota, Tyrell Biggs, Alex Arthur, and Scott Frank.
Television sports fans remember Lou Duva for the televised events of July 11, 1996 at Madison Square Garden, Andrew Golota and Riddick Bowe were involved in a full scale riot. Duva, who had a bad ticker, was hit by a walkie-talkie during the melee, collapsed at ringside, and was lifted out of the ring on a stretcher and taken to the hospital, after his heart defibrillator went off. He was later found to be okay. Sportswriter Robert Brizel’s education into what it takes to be a professional trainer is seen in the successful career and personality of the late Lou Duva.
Lou Duva collapses, Bowe-Golota riot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV8A7jCf4Cg
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