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Cornerman's Shirt Made For Eddie Futch, Joe Frazier's Trainer
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
This blue cotton shirt was made for Frazier trainer and cornerman Eddie Futch, most likely for the "Thrilla In Manilla" third fight between Frazier and Ali. It is embroidered "Smokin' Joe" on the back and "Eddie" on the front shirt pocket, and is similiar to the shirt worn by Futch in that fight.
In 1966, Eddie Futch joined Joe Frazier's team as assistant trainer. Known as one of the greatest trainers in boxing, Futch also held a reputation as one of the sport's true gentlemen. Futch combined Frazier's power with a new bob-and-weave defensive style, making it more difficult for taller opponents to land punches. Futch maybe be best known for finding the flaw in Ali's delayed uppercut that helped Frasier beat Ali in their first fight.
By the third fight of the Ali-Frazier trilogy, Futch had taken on the responsibilities as Frazier's head trainer, leaving Ken Norton, who he had also trained and who had broken Ali's jaw.
In the "Thrilla In Manila" fight, Futch decided that it was too dangerous for Frazier to come back out for the 15th round against Ali, despite his pleas. In a 2007 interview on the Howard Stern show, Frazier said he never spoke with Futch again.
After Frazier retired, Futch went on to work with champions Bob Foster, Ken Norton, Alexis Arguello, Marlon Starling, Virgil Hill, Wayne McCullough, Michael Spinks, Larry Holmes, and Riddick Bowe. He was named boxing Manager of the Year (1975), Trainer of the Year (1991, 1992) and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, four years before he retired from boxing at the age of 87. With a "Gennaro Custom Shirtmakers" label in the collar, size Medium. Condition: Futch's shirt is in excellent overall condition, with minor wear from use. Included is an LOA from Joe Frazier.
In 1966, Eddie Futch joined Joe Frazier's team as assistant trainer. Known as one of the greatest trainers in boxing, Futch also held a reputation as one of the sport's true gentlemen. Futch combined Frazier's power with a new bob-and-weave defensive style, making it more difficult for taller opponents to land punches. Futch maybe be best known for finding the flaw in Ali's delayed uppercut that helped Frasier beat Ali in their first fight.
By the third fight of the Ali-Frazier trilogy, Futch had taken on the responsibilities as Frazier's head trainer, leaving Ken Norton, who he had also trained and who had broken Ali's jaw.
In the "Thrilla In Manila" fight, Futch decided that it was too dangerous for Frazier to come back out for the 15th round against Ali, despite his pleas. In a 2007 interview on the Howard Stern show, Frazier said he never spoke with Futch again.
After Frazier retired, Futch went on to work with champions Bob Foster, Ken Norton, Alexis Arguello, Marlon Starling, Virgil Hill, Wayne McCullough, Michael Spinks, Larry Holmes, and Riddick Bowe. He was named boxing Manager of the Year (1975), Trainer of the Year (1991, 1992) and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, four years before he retired from boxing at the age of 87. With a "Gennaro Custom Shirtmakers" label in the collar, size Medium. Condition: Futch's shirt is in excellent overall condition, with minor wear from use. Included is an LOA from Joe Frazier.