Evander Holyfield Suggests Wladimir Klitschko Hire Freddie Roach After Loss
Former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has encouraged Wladimir Klitschko to add some fresh faces to his coaching setup, starting with iconic trainer Freddie Roach.
The legendary Ukrainian lost his title belts in dramatic circumstances in November, suffering a shock defeat to Tyson Fury; it was the first time in over a decade anybody has beaten the former world champion. With a rematch with Fury said to be on the cards in 2016, Holyfield has encouraged Klitschko to change things up, per Vadim Pushkin of BoxingScene.com:
"You need someone in the corner that you respect. Otherwise you won't listen to your coach and [you won't] get the best out of yourself. Klitschko's last trainer, Emanuel Steward, [fighters respected him]—but this does not apply to every trainer. I would suggest that he include Freddie Roach [in his corner].
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As noted by Pushkin, Klitschko’s longtime trainer, Emanuel Steward, died in 2012 due to colon cancer. The 39-year-old is currently being coached by Jonathan Banks, who was an active heavyweight himself until a year ago, when he was knocked out by Antonio Tarver.
Holyfield revealed even he would be happy to help Klitschko if the offer came in, per Pushkin: “Of course I would advise him."
Holyfield, the sport’s only ever four-time world heavyweight champion, is one of a select group who may feel as though he can advise a fighter of Klitschko’s calibre on which way to turn. He shared the ring with men like Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson during a distinguished professional career, which spanned an impressive 27 years.
Here’s a reminder of just how good Holyfield was when he stepped into the ring:
Klitschko’s career may not have spanned as long, although he’s also a wonderful champion. The Ukrainian has been dominant in heavyweight boxing for the best part of 10 years prior to Fury’s win, as the Brit was able to outwork the Ukrainian over the course of 12 rounds.
On the night, Klitschko was far from his best, appearing unwilling to throw his usually ruthless right hand. Indeed, there’s no denying that when he does face off with Fury once again, he’ll have to up his game significantly if he’s to sample victory and bring some new tricks to the table.
However, two-time British champion Paul Smith is unsure whether or not any additions to his backroom team would make much of a difference to Klitschko’s chances:
Roach has forged a reputation as a wonderful coach, overseeing and developing some of the finest fighters of this generation. He and Klitschko have worked together previously, per Sky Sports, and ahead of what is likely to be another cagey bout with Fury, the former champion could probably benefit from some of Roach’s tactical acumen.
It’s tough to see such a scenario materialising, though, as Roach’s Wild Card gym is based in Los Angeles, while Klitschko prefers to train and fight in Germany. Given both men are at the sharp end of boxing, they’ll each be extremely busy and unlikely to uproot, meaning it'd be a big surprise if we were to see a reunion between the duo any time soon.
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