Freddie Roach coached 40 world champions, but says one man stood above the rest: ‘He was so gifted’

Legendary trainer Freddie Roach has worked with some of the biggest names in boxing, but the Dedham-born mastermind had only one answer when asked which of his fighters was most naturally gifted.

Roach retired as a fighter with a 40-13 record, sharing the ring with Bobby Chacon, Greg Haugen and Héctor Camacho, but failed to make a lasting impression himself on the world stage.

However, as a coach, Roach left his own legacy, working with 40 world champions and being one of the main reasons for the success of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. As a trainer, he has worked with other stars such as Mike Tyson, Amir Khan and Oscar De La Hoya.

When deciding which fighter was the most talented of all those he trained, Roach was quick to single out three-division conqueror James Toney, in a recently resurfaced interview.

“Toney is the most natural fighter I have ever seen.

“When he says, ‘All you F***** mothers have to train but I was born to fight,’ he really meant it. The way he moved, the vision he had, to see everything coming at him, he was so good.

“At his peak, though, he would sit on the ropes and make you miss a hundred punches and come back with counter shots. It was something to watch.”

“Lights Out” Toney pushed for success as a heavyweight, despite being a former middleweight world champion, and Roach went on to state his belief that the Michigan fan favorite could have dominated the division if he had more discipline.

“He had no discipline.

“If he had discipline, he could have been heavyweight champion of the world and dominated the division. It just didn’t happen that way.

“I don’t know why he didn’t get in shape and stay healthy. I guess some guys with that kind of talent take him for granted.”

Toney got his hands on the heavyweight crown in 2005, only for his decision victory over John Ruiz to later be declared a no contest after he failed a drug test. The following year, he challenged Hasim Rahman for the WBC world title, but could only secure a draw.