FanSided’s 2019 boxing awards and review of boxing’s best moments

2019 Boxing Trainer of the Year: Manny Robles

The year might not have ended the way Manny Robles would have liked, but he helped guide Andy Ruiz Jr. to the majority share of the heavyweight title under Cinderella-like circumstances. That’s enough to earn him the title of 2019 Boxing Trainer of the Year.

Robles did the impossible when he got Andy Ruiz Jr. prepared to fight Anthony Joshua for the heavyweight crown on six weeks notice. Ruiz was prepared mentally and physically. He showed no signs of intimidation even after being knocked down in round 3. This is largely due to Robles’ steady voice in the corner between rounds, which offered sound advice.

Ruiz lost the rematch in December, but the loss doesn’t fall on Robles’ shoulders. Ruiz’s weight ballooned up to moe than 15 pounds heavier than his initial bout with Joshua. After losing the fight, Ruiz admitted during the post-fight interview and press conference that he partied and didn’t train in a diligent manner as Robles instructed.

Aside from Ruiz’s big win, Robles is a world-class boxing trainer who is finally getting his due. He’s been a longtime trainer for the USA amateur boxing team. He also guides the preparation of numerous professional boxers, including his son Manny Robles III, Chris Ousley, and Terrell Gausha, to name a few.

Robles has also instructed other world champions who left his tutelage, usually for reasons outside of dissatisfaction. Many probably wish Robles could still guide them.