Tommy Brooks has died at 71 following a battle with cancer, marking the end of an era for the boxing world. The renowned trainer, who guided some of heavyweight boxing's most celebrated champions, passed away as confirmed by promoter Lou DiBella.
"Just received terrible news. The family confirmed: outstanding trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight after a hard battle with aggressive cancer. Too soon. He was a true boxing man and just a wonderful guy," DiBella wrote on X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Brooks made his name as the trainer behind Evander Holyfield's historic victories over Mike Tyson in 1996 and 1997. Interestingly, he later went on to train Tyson himself until their partnership ended following Tyson's defeat to Lennox Lewis in 2002.
His coaching resume also included working with the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali, further cementing his legacy in heavyweight boxing history.
Before stepping into the coaching corner, Brooks had a respectable career as a fighter himself. He claimed the U.S. championship as an amateur before turning professional, where he compiled a record of 7 wins and 3 losses.
DiBella's tribute continued with personal reflections: "So many memorable evenings spent with Tommy and his wife Donna Duva during Main Events' best years. My prayers to Donna and the entire family."
The boxing community is certainly feeling the weight of this loss. Brooks wasn't just a technical mastermind but someone who shaped an entire era of heavyweight boxing. How many trainers can claim to have worked with both sides of one of boxing's most famous rivalries?
