Is Derrick James An Elite Trainer?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Michael Healer, May 13, 2025.


  1. Michael Healer

    Michael Healer New Member Full Member

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    The title speaks for itself really? Of course what he done with Spence Jr was impressive and he had success with some of decent names in boxing.

    I’ve been doing some research into coaches and he is very good fundamentally also sound defensively not to mention his ability to put together great game plans

    im just wondering how good others think he is and where he ranks against other top coaches…. BoMac, Reynoso, McGuigan, Lee, Davison For Example
     
  2. Mark Anthony

    Mark Anthony Dubois is just a C-grade fighter Full Member

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    No, Spence and Garcis got exposed, Spence was just a weight bully, a plodder with good handspeed.
     
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  3. JurgyH

    JurgyH New Member banned Full Member

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    I don't think he's up there with the best like Roach, Garcia, Mcguigan, Papachenko
     
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  4. TNSNO1878

    TNSNO1878 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I think the mark of an elite trainer is to channel a fighter's ego. Garcia is clearly someone who doesn't listen, thinks he knows better than the coach, and refuses to make any adjustments. There's probably not a coach out there who could tame his narcissism, but the greatest trainers ever would've been able to. Derrick had his moment, but I think he's on the decline as a trainer.
     
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  5. MidniteProwler

    MidniteProwler Fab 4. Mayor of Aussie Boxing Full Member

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    Spence is really the only top fighter he had from the start nobody else has really improved under him. Garcia got worse, AJ left him after one fight.
     
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  6. Slyk

    Slyk Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    If he's not an elite trainer, then I don't know what the hell Ben Davison is.
     
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  7. Mark Anthony

    Mark Anthony Dubois is just a C-grade fighter Full Member

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    Yeah, AJ was awful vs Helenius.
     
  8. Mark Anthony

    Mark Anthony Dubois is just a C-grade fighter Full Member

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    I don`t think either of them are elite trainers.
     
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  9. TipNom

    TipNom Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Not an elite trainer but nowhere near as bad as people make him out to be. Garcia lost because of Garcia. James tried to give him advice and Garcia didn't listen. Spence lost because Crawford was better. There was not a team on earth that could've been put together that would've gotten Spence the win on that day.
     
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  10. Jackomano

    Jackomano Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Yes. His success speaks for itself.
     
  11. Kiwi Fish

    Kiwi Fish Active Member Full Member

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    To me, a good trainer is someone who can take a fighter and make them better and elevate them. An elite trainer can do this even with fighters who are already elite themselves or have clear flaws. By this metric I am not convinced that Derrick James is up there.

    He hasn't really taken many fighters and made them better or noticeably improved their game.