International Boxing Hall Of Fame

Born March 5, 1960 in Dedham, MA. Following an extensive amateur boxing career, Roach turned pro in 1978. Under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Eddie Futch, he became a popular attraction on ESPN. He boxed until 1986, retiring with a 40-13 (15 KOs) record and a reputation as a crowd-pleasing warrior.

 

After hanging up his gloves, Roach worked as a salesman before becoming Futch’s apprentice in Las Vegas. Roach’s first world champion was Virgil Hill, who won the WBA light heavyweight title in 1987. In the early 1990s he moved to Los Angeles and set up his base at the Outlaw Boxing Club. In 1996 he opened his current gym, the Wild Card Boxing Club. Respected the world over for his calm demeanor in the corner and deep insight into the sport, Roach has guided over 20 world champions including James Toney, Marlon Starling, Johnny Tapia, Michael Moorer, Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao.

 

Roach has been named “Trainer of the Year” five times by the BWAA and is also working with top American amateurs as they prepare for the 2012 London Games.