Boxing world mourns tragic death of coach icon who trained 21 world champions at age 82

Legendary boxing trainer Hector Roca, who trained 21 world champions at Gleason’s Gym, died Tuesday at age 82. An immigrant who entered New York City at age 35 and never left. He changed the lives of many who dreamed of becoming world boxing champions. Roca, who previously worked as his garment cutter in New York, paid 25 cents to visit Gleason’s gym one day.

The visit will change the lives of him and others at Gleason’s gym. Undoubtedly, Hector Roca has had a tremendous impact on boxing and on the dedicated athletes who have dedicated their lives to the sport. He may be gone, but the legendary coach and his motto, “Anyone can box,” continue to come alive and resonate.

Promoters and boxers remember Hector Roca and his unforgettable contributions to boxing

Famed promoter Lou DiBella took to Twitter to pray for Roca, whom he called “one of the #boxing good guys” in the game. According to Dibella, many will miss him. He wished his fighters, family and friends love.

Meanwhile, former featherweight WBO world champion Heather Hardy, who discovered her father’s appearance in Roca, expressed her irreplaceable loss through her tweet. “Today I lost my coach, my father, my mentor and the only man in the world I trusted.”she said.

Meanwhile, former boxer and now boxing promoter Dmitry Sarita has spoken out about his first title fight with Roca.

In another tweet, Sarita shared a photo of him with Roca at the gym.

Similarly, multiple title challenger, professional boxer Melissa Sentville was incredible.

Roca believed that ‘anyone can box’

During his lifetime Roca trained different people in the gym. Above all, Roca took pride in training young people with disabilities. Once a legend trained a woman with Parkinson’s disease who was later able to walk with all the loca and God’s blessings.

“Anyone can box. I trained a woman in a wheelchair with Parkinson’s and now she walks. She’s boxing on her own two legs.” Roca said he was proud of what he did. Until the last breath of his life, Roca believed Gleason’s Jim had given him everything.

What do you think of Hector Roca’s contribution to boxing? Let us know in the comments below.

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