Naazim Richardson
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2016) |
Naazim Richardson (November 26, 1965 – July 24, 2020) was an American boxing trainer from Philadelphia. Richardson is most notable for training Bernard Hopkins and "Sugar" Shane Mosley, in addition to Steve Cunningham and Karl Dargan.[1][2] He is also known for catching Antonio Margarito with plaster knuckle pads in his hand wraps prior to Margarito's fight with Mosley.[3] This led to Margarito's one-year suspension from boxing.[4]
Early life[edit]
Richardson was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and left home when he was 14.[5] He was jailed as a teenager.[5] According to The New York Times, "Boxing took Richardson from the streets that almost swallowed him in north Philadelphia, gave him energy and purpose."[5] He was a head trainer in the Concrete Jungle in Philadelphia, and was also a trainer in several gyms across Philadelphia.[6] Richardson worked under Bouie Fisher for a while.[7] His son Rock Allen was a boxer prior to a car accident.[8]
Career[edit]
A devout Muslim, Richardson was often acknowledged as "Brother" Naazim.[9] In 2007, Richardson suffered a stroke that temporarily left him unable to walk or speak.[5]
Soon after returning to boxing,[when?] Richardson became "Sugar" Shane Mosley's trainer for three of the biggest fights of the boxer's career: his win over Antonio Margarito and his losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Notable fighters trained or advised by Richardson[edit]
- Bernard Hopkins
- Shane Mosley[2]
- Karl Dargan (nephew of Naazim Richardson)
- Badr Hari
- Yusaf Mack (worked the corner)
- Sergio Martinez (corner adviser for fight vs. Julio César Chávez Jr.)
- Steve Cunningham
References[edit]
- ^ "Trainer Naazim Richardson has defied the odds". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
- ^ a b "Shane Mosley: The day I almost KO'd Floyd Mayweather". ESPN.com. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
- ^ Silverman, Steve. "Boxing's 4 Most Infamous Cheaters of All Time". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
- ^ "Margarito license revoked for plaster-like wraps". ESPN.com. 10 February 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
- ^ a b c d Bishop, Greg (2010-04-29). "Shane Mosley's Trainer Is at Home in the Gym". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
- ^ "Trainer Naazim Richardson has defied the odds". philly.com.
- ^ "Famed trainer Richardson dies after long illness". 24 July 2020.
- ^ "Flashback — Rock Allen, Naazim Richardson and the Concrete Jungle". 5 January 2016.
- ^ Idec, Keith (July 24, 2020). "Naazim Richardson, Trainer of Bernard Hopkins & Shane Mosley, Has Died". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved July 24, 2020.