Whitey Esneault
Born: Sept. 13, 1891
Died: Jan. 20, 1968
Induction: 2016
Born Ernest Esneault on September 13, 1891 in New Orleans, LA.
Affectionately known as “Mr. Whitey” by the countless fighters he mentored, Esnault ran St. Mary’s Italian Gym in the French Quarter for nearly 50 years. Highly regarded by boxers and peers alike for his ability to teach boxing fundamentals, his charges were best known for their exceptional footwork. Among the standouts under Esneault’s tutelage include Ralph Chong, Bernard and Maxie Docusen, Tony Licata, Freddie Little, junior middleweight champion Ralph Dupas and Hall of Fame light heavyweight champion Willie Pastrano.. Preferring to stay close to home in New Orleans and not depart for training camps, after developing young talent Esneault would often turn fighters over to other trainers and managers. Notably among them was Hall of Famer Angelo Dundee, who took over training duties for both Dupas and Pastrano.
A World War I Navy veteran, Esneault died on January 20, 1968 in New Orleans at age 76.