Lou Duva

I hadn't realised that. Just when you saw him in the corner with his fighters he seemed to be having input.

 

He had plenty of input alright, what im saying is he wasnt the skills coach, certainly not in the gym and he wouldnt devise strategy, but he liked to head the corner on fight night. I've heard him called a cheerleader, which might be a little harsh, but he did seem to offer more in the way of enthusiasm rather than anything technical ( other than basic stuff " Use the jab more" etc). Im sure he helped some fighters from a 'belief' point of view.

 

Everything you said is true I am glad someone stepped up with the truth. There is a tale to be told about another fighter, Frankie Warren. The part about the party, is true. Frankie wound up having to retire just after losing to Loreto Garza while he was #1, cos of detached retina's in both eyes. Frankie was in war after war until the end. Biggs and Frankie were used big time, sad to say. I remember Frankie's manager Scotty Miller, who was in the corner of the 2nd McGirt, Frankie, did exactly what Lou told him to do". Ck to see who beat McGirt for the title.

 

That is the impression I have always had of Duva.Basically a self -promoter who lost interest in fighters when the $$$ began to dry up.Getting into brawls in rings with the assurance that they will be quickly be broken up before a younger, much more able rival cornerman can put you in your place is grandstanding bullsh*t and does a fighter no service imo.In short I never rated his input and think he was sometimes a negative in the corner. Pure speculation from me, but others who have more inside knowledge of the man seem to be confirming that here.

 

What happened to Frankie Warren was a crime. I remember having to bring Frankie home from Atlantic City, Frankie had gone there to ask Lou for a job as a trainer. I had to lead him by the hand, it was like Frankie, was drugged. Frankie is not and was not a user of drugs. It was was like he snapped, mentally. Look out of respect for his passing I will leave it there. Lou gave me a shot, and for that I am grateful but.......

 

Thanks for that, i didnt want to come across as a name droper, but my elder brother dated Biggy's elder sister for mamy years so its first hand.
After the Tyson defeat Biggs shoulda had some easier fights but they agreed to go to Milan for big money to fight Damiani. Biggs got cut again and the Duvas dumped him. His career never really got back on track.He came through drug addiction, Broken collar bone,fractured hand, bad cuts and still got to 15-0. I think they could have been a bit more patient with him,although they would argue they got him the paydays.
Biggsy himself isnt bitter about his treatment but is aware he was used to a degree.