Tommy Brooks Dies at 71: Iconic Boxing Trainer to Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield Passes Away

Imagine earning the rare distinction of training not one, but two of the most fearsome heavyweight champions in boxing history. That was the legacy of the late, great Tommy Brooks, who trained Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in his iconic career. In a heartbreaking update for the boxing world, Brooks has passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. The news of his death was confirmed by Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella.DiBella mourned Brooks’ passing and wrote on X, “Too young. Great boxing man and even better person, he was just a solid dude. Shared many memorable nights with Tommy and his wife, Donna Duva, during the glory days of Main Events. My love and prayers to Donna and all their fam. This is now a real tough stretch of losing real boxing people. It's getting to me."For those unfamiliar with his legacy, Brooks played a pivotal role in some of boxing’s most iconic moments. He guided Evander Holyfield to become the undisputed cruiserweight title holder in the 80s and was in his corner when ‘The Real Deal’ shocked the world by defeating Mike Tyson in their legendary bouts in 1996 and 1997. In a twist of fate, Brooks later went on to train Tyson himself, guiding him through a six-fight unbeaten streak—a rare highlight in the twilight of Iron Mike’s career. He was also in Tyson’s corner for the blockbuster 2002 clash against Lennox Lewis.Brooks’ resume didn’t stop there. He trained former WBO heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, as well as top contenders like Larry Donald and Michael Grant, earning a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in the sport. Quiet and humble by nature, Brooks never chased the spotlight. But in any serious boxing gym from the 1980s through the early 2000s, his name carried serious weight. He earned that respect not just as a trainer, but as a former fighter himself.Brooks’ journey began in the amateur ranks, where he captured the 1975 National AAU Middleweight title, defeating both Tom Sullivan and a young Michael Spinks. After a successful run in the U.S. Air Force, where he became a military boxing champion, he turned professional and retired in 1979 with a solid 7-3 record.Also read: Claressa Shields Shows Love for Papoose After Undisputed Title Defense as Baby Plans for 2026 UnfoldEven after stepping away from elite corners in the 2010s, Brooks remained a mentor. He quietly shaped the next generation of fighters and coaches, sharing lessons passed down from his own legendary mentors, Eddie Futch and Archie Moore. It is indeed a humongous loss for the boxing world, especially after the death of another legend George Foreman, earlier this year.