All news tagged WorldBoxingFoundation

Famed boxing trainer and Hall of Famer Tommy Brooks passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday, July 29, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in San Diego, Brooks began his boxing journey with mentors Archie Moore and Eddie Futch before serving in the United States Air Force.

“Got more bad news a little while ago. It was just confirmed by his family that esteemed boxing trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight, after having fought a very aggressive cancer. Too young.” DiBella wrote on X.

As an amateur, Brooks captured the AAU national middleweight title in 1975, defeating Tom Sullivan and a young Michael Spinks, and went on to win a U.S. national title. He turned professional in 1977, finishing with a 7-3 record.

Brooks found his true calling as a trainer, working alongside legendary figures Lou Duva and George Benton. Over his illustrious career, he trained some of boxing’s biggest names, including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, the Klitschko brothers, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Mike McCallum, Vinny Pazienza, Charles Murray, David Price, and many others.

He is survived by his wife Donna (Duva), sons Brian, Marlon, and Jonathan, and daughter Cassandra, as well as her husband, boxing trainer Shaun George. Funeral services will be announced in Georgia and New Jersey.

Rest in peace, Tommy Brooks—a true legend in the world of boxing.

Veteran Japanese fighter Toshihiko Era of Osaka has etched his name into the record books as the oldest boxer to win an Asian boxing championship, after stopping Thailand’s Komgrich Nantapech to capture the WBF (World Boxing Foundation) Asia Flyweight Title in a thrilling bout held in Bangkok.

At 50 years old, Era displayed remarkable skill, stamina, and determination—marking a historic milestone for Asian boxing, especially in his home country, Japan.

The opening round was evenly matched, but Era, who now holds a record of 26-4-1 with 21 KOs, quickly found his rhythm. By the second and third rounds, he was landing crisp combinations and effectively pressuring Nantapech against the ropes.

The contest came to an end at the start of the fourth round when Nantapech’s corner opted not to continue, handing Era a technical stoppage victory.

The bout was officiated by referee Kris Sanyadej of Bangkok, with Alvin S. Go of Cavite, Philippines, serving as the official WBF supervisor.

Era’s victory is a powerful statement—age is not a limit when discipline, belief, and perseverance are in place. While legends like George Foreman captured a heavyweight world title at 45, and Bernard Hopkins secured the IBF light heavyweight crown at 49, Era has now joined this elite company by becoming the oldest fighter to win an Asian title at 50.

His win is more than just a personal triumph—it is a shining example of what can be achieved through faith, healthy living, and relentless dedication.

This extraordinary feat is sure to inspire not just aspiring boxers, but athletes and fans across generations. Toshihiko Era’s story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of the sport, proving once again that boxing is as much about heart as it is about youth.

Congratulations to the Toshihiko Era on this historic and inspirational victory. The boxing world salutes his perseverance, professionalism, and passion for the sport.