Highly-respected trainer Naazim Richardson has passed away.
Philadelphia fight figure Richardson was noted for his sterling work with the age-defying Bernard Hopkins as well as Sugar Shane Mosley and Steve Cunningham, yet suffered from a stroke in 2007 and subsequent ill health. But that did not stop his journey in boxing.
Two years later, Richardson discovered Plaster of Paris being placed in Antonio Margarito’s hand wraps before that infamous fight with Mosley, won by ‘Sugar Shane’ in the ninth round.
Much loved among the boxing community, tributes swiftly poured in from all corners of the fight game.
“Today we lost a legend in the boxing community. RIP Nazim Richardson.” – Evander Holyfield.
“May Allah grant brother Naazim the highest level of Jannah accept all his good deeds and forgive him for his sins Aameen. Sad day in Philadelphia as well as the boxing world.” – Julian ‘J Rock’ Williams.
“RIP to my oldhead. Was the only Philly trainer to show me love when I started out. Was the last person in the locker room when Jrock lost to Charlo. And the last person in the locker room when Jrock beat Hurd. My man!” – Stephen Edwards.
“Naazim Richardson was a boxing, trainer, a teacher, a gentleman and a man’s man. It was an honour knowing him, Rest in peace and power, Brother Naazim. – Lou DiBella.
“Thank you for being a mentor in my life Naazim Richardson!! Rest in Power!!” – Eddie Chambers.
“Simply crushed to learn of the passing of Naazim Richardson, a boxing trainer who did so much to leave the world a better place than he found it. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends.” – Kevin Iole.
“RIP Brother Naazim Richardson, great trainer, Philly’s own and one of the greatest men in boxing. Always called me “Ms. Kelly” with lots of mutual respect during our many years together. So sorry for his passing, loss for his family, friends and whole boxing community.” – Kelly Swanson.
“Sadly, the knowledge that this man possessed is gone forever. Thankfully it will live on forever through his students. RIP Brother Naazim & thank you for all your contributions to our sport. – David Diamante.
“We mourn the passing of Philadelphia’s great coach, Naazim Richardson. A boxing man who worked with great figures like Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley. We send words of comfort to them, their families and friends.” – World Boxing Association.
“This is such sad news. Naazim Richardson was larger than life, a true spiritual and physical presence and a man’s man. I loved and respected him like few others. RIP our brother.” – Mark Taffet.
“When Naazim Richardson suffered a stroke in 2007, doctors thought he may die. Instead he taught himself how to walk again after everyone left the hospital at night. He refused a walker, saying “they might as well write, ROB ME, on both pants pockets.” – Ryan Songalia.
Everyone at Boxing Social would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Naazim’s family and friends at this very sad time.
Rest in peace, Brother Naazim.