Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Tommy Brooks was a renowned boxing trainer who guided legends like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
- He transitioned from a successful boxer to a highly influential coach, shaping some of boxing’s most memorable moments in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Brooks was respected for his honesty, humility, and dedication, earning admiration from fighters, promoters, and boxing organizations.
- His passing at age 71 in 2025 marks a significant loss and a moment for reflection in the boxing community.
Table of Contents
Remembering Tommy Brooks: A Trainer’s Legacy
What This Means for Boxing Fans
Remembering Tommy Brooks: A Trainer’s Legacy
The boxing world is mourning the loss of Tommy Brooks, the revered trainer known for guiding legends like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, who died at age 71 on July 29, 2025, after battling aggressive colon cancer. Brooks’ passing marks the end of an era for boxing enthusiasts who admired his honesty, humility, and technical brilliance in the ring[0].
His Background and Impact
Brooks’ impact on boxing is profound and multifaceted. Before becoming a world-class trainer, he was a successful boxer himself, winning the 1975 National AAU Middleweight title and holding a professional record of 7-3. His transition from fighter to trainer allowed him to leave an indelible mark on the sport by shaping the careers of heavyweight icons.
Notably, Brooks worked closely with Tyson during his prime, serving as his trainer until Tyson’s 2002 loss to Lennox Lewis. He was also pivotal in coaching Evander Holyfield during his epic bouts with Tyson in the mid-1990s, fights that remain etched as some of boxing’s most dramatic moments. Beyond these titans, Brooks trained other elite fighters, including Michael Grant, Larry Donald, and Vitali Klitschko, cementing his role as one of the sport’s most influential trainers of the ’90s and early 2000s[2].
The Man Behind the Gloves
Known for his quiet professionalism rather than flamboyance, Brooks earned respect for his dedication to both the sport and his fighters. His son-in-law and former light heavyweight contender Shaun George praised Brooks for his honesty and kindness, recalling how he was both brutally truthful and deeply caring—qualities that defined his coaching style and personal character[3].
Promoters and boxing organizations like the World Boxing Council have paid tribute to Brooks, calling him “undoubtedly one of the greatest boxing trainers of all time.” His impact continues through the fighters he molded and the standards he set for coaching excellence[2].
His Legacy for Boxing Fans
Tommy Brooks’ death is a poignant moment for the boxing community, arriving amidst a difficult period of losing key figures in the sport’s history. Fans and professionals alike are reflecting on his contributions, his role in some of the sport’s most memorable moments, and the legacy he leaves behind.
For anyone following Tyson’s career or the golden era of heavyweight boxing, understanding Brooks’ influence enriches appreciation for those iconic matches and the evolution of boxing training.
What This Means for Boxing Fans
Consider revisiting classic Tyson and Holyfield bouts to witness the strategic mastery behind those legendary fights. His fingerprints remain all over the sport he loved and helped shape.
Rest in peace, Tommy Brooks.
FAQ
What was Tommy Brooks known for?
He was a renowned boxing trainer celebrated for guiding legends like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, and for his honesty, humility, and technical brilliance in the sport.
When did Tommy Brooks pass away?
He died at age 71 on July 29, 2025, after battling aggressive colon cancer.
Who did Brooks coach during Tyson’s era?
He was Tyson’s trainer until Tyson’s 2002 loss to Lennox Lewis and played a pivotal role in Holyfield’s bouts with Tyson in the 1990s.
How is Tommy Brooks remembered?
He is remembered as one of the greatest boxing trainers of all time, known for his dedication, honesty, and the impact he made on the sport and its fighters.