What Is Freddie Roach’s Net Worth?
Freddie Roach, the celebrated American boxing trainer and former professional boxer, has amassed a significant net worth of $20 million. This substantial fortune is a testament to his decades-long dedication and success in the boxing world, both as a fighter and, more prominently, as a trainer.
Freddie Roach’s Boxing Career and Transition to Training
Born on March 5, 1960, in Dedham, Massachusetts, Freddie Roach’s journey into the world of boxing began early, influenced by his father. He estimates that he engaged in over 300 street fights. By 1978, Roach transitioned into professional boxing as a lightweight fighter, achieving ten consecutive victories early in his career and making a name for himself. By the early 80s, he was training under Eddie Futch with a 26-1 record.
However, concerns about Roach’s health began to surface as he showed symptoms suggestive of early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Despite these challenges, Roach continued fighting, challenging for regional championships, before retiring at the age of 26 after losing five of his last six bouts.
After retiring, Roach initially worked as a busboy and telemarketer. He then transitioned into a career as a trainer, learning the ropes as an unpaid assistant under his former trainer, Eddie Futch, for five years. In the early ’90s, Freddie started working with actor Mickey Rourke, who had abandoned his blossoming acting career in order to return to boxing. Roach trained Rourke in Hollywood and helped him return to prominence in the boxing world. In 1995, Rourke quit boxing and donated gym equipment to Freddie. Roach established the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, which he currently operates with his brother, Pepper.
Freddie Roach’s Training Career and Notable Fighters
Roach has trained world champions like Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Julio César Chávez Jr., James Toney, Georges St-Pierre, and Lucia Rijker. His contributions to the sport have earned him recognition, including induction into the World Boxing Hall of Fame as a trainer. In 2008, the World Boxing Council presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012 as a Trainer of World Champions.
Manny Pacquiao is probably his most notable fighter. His first world champion was Virgil Hill. Freddie once famously trained Oscar De La Hoya for his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007, which De La Hoya lost in a split decision. Roach has also trained Gary Strech and Amir Khan. He has also trained Zachary “Kid Yamaka” Wohlman. In addition to boxers, he has worked with MMA fighters, including UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Dan Hardy is another UFC fighter who has benefited from Freddie’s tutelage, as well as Tito Ortiz, Anderson Silva, and BJ Penn. Roach trained Georges St-Pierre for his fight against Josh Koscheck.
Health Challenges and Managing Parkinson’s Disease
Early in his boxing career, Roach was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Roach manages his condition through medication and injections and believes that his ongoing work as a boxing trainer helps slow the disease’s progression.