Boxing loses legend Futch

Bowe (left) was helped to the title by Futch

Eddie Futch, one of the best boxing trainers the world has seen, has died at the age of 90.

Futch, who retired four years ago, was responsible for turning out 20 world champions, among them heavyweights Larry Holmes, Joe Frazier, Riddick Bowe and Michael Spinks.

The American also steered Bob Foster, Trevor Berbick, Montell Griffin, Mike McCallum, Alexis Arguello, Don Jordan and Marlon Starling to world glory.

Futch was thrust into the public limelight when he stopped "Smokin'" Joe Frazier in the "Thrilla' in Manilla" fight against Muhammed Ali, claiming Frazier was hardly able to see Ali's punches.

He was also a Golden Gloves lightweight champion and sparred with future heavyweight champion Joe Louis when both were amateurs in the early 1930s.