Legendary boxing coach Tommy Brooks, who trained Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, died after a battle with cancer.
News of the 71-year-old’s death was reported by Hall of Fame boxing promoted Lou DiBella on Tuesday night.
“Got more bad news a little while ago,” DiBella wrote on X. “It was just confirmed by his family that esteemed boxing trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight, after having fought a very aggressive cancer. Too young.
“Great boxing man and even better person, he was just a solid dude. Shared many memorable nights with Tommy and his wife, Donna Duva, during the glory days of Main Events. My love and prayers to Donna and all their fam”
Brooks began his time in the sport as an amateur boxer, winning a national title in the U.S.
He turned pro, winning his first seven fights, but after losing his next three, decided to retire and focus on coaching.
The first star he coached was Holyfield, whom he guided to becoming the undisputed champion in the cruiserweight division in the 1980s and heavyweight champion in the 1990s.
He helped Holyfield beat Tyson twice, leading to “Iron Mike” turning to Brooks as his trainer, a partnership that lasted until 2002.
Brooks went on to work with Ukrainian heavyweights Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, who held multiple titles among them during their decorated international careers.