Naazim Richardson


Naazim Richardson was an American boxing trainer from Philadelphia. Richardson is most notable for training Bernard Hopkins and "Sugar" Shane Mosley, in addition to Steve Cunningham and Karl Dargan. He is also known for catching Antonio Margarito with plaster knuckle pads in his hand wraps prior to Margarito's fight with Mosley. This led to Margarito's one-year suspension from boxing.

Early life

Richardson was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and left home when he was 14. He was jailed as a teenager. According to The New York Times, "Boxing took Richardson from the streets that almost swallowed him in north Philadelphia, gave him energy and purpose." He was a head trainer in the Concrete Gym in Philadelphia, and was also a trainer in several gyms across Philadelphia.

Career

Richardson was a devout Muslim, often acknowledged as "Brother" Naazim.
In 2007, Richardson suffered a stroke that temporarily left him unable to walk or speak.
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 Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

Notable fighters trained or advised by Richardson