Naazim Richardson
Naazim Richardson is an American boxing trainer most notable for training "Sugar" Shane Mosley and Bernard Hopkins, and for catching Antonio Margarito with used gauze knuckle pads instead of the required new ones, which was almost immediately subject to the wildest claims of "bricks -and even a plaster-like substance- in his handwraps, prior to Margarito's fight with Mosley, leading to Margarito's eventual 1 year suspension from the sport of boxing.
Early life
Richardson was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and left home when he was 14.[1] He was jailed as a teenager.[1] According to the New York Times, "Boxing took Richardson from the streets that almost swallowed him in north Philadelphia, gave him energy and purpose." [1]
Career
Richardson is a devout Muslim.
In 2007, Richardson suffered a stroke that nearly caused loss of the entire left side of Richardson's body.[1]
Soon after returning to boxing, Richardson became "Sugar" Shane Mosley's trainer for three of the biggest fights of the boxer's career - his win over Margarito and his losses to both Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Richardson is currently Bernard Hopkins' head trainer.[1]
Fighters trained or advised by Richardson (Incomplete list)
- Bernard Hopkins
- Shane Mosley
- Badr Hari
- Yusaf Mack (Worked corner)
- Sergio Martinez (Corner adviser for fight vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.)
- Steve Cunningham
- Rocky Sanchez