Freddie Roach to be honored at Parkinson’s disease charity event
Boxing trainer Freddie Roach poses for a portrait at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. AFP Photo
One of combat sports most heralded trainers of all time, Freddie Roach, is set to be honored on March 24 at the Smash Global III black tie charity event in Los Angeles, California.
The esteemed gathering, organized by the boxing and mixed martial arts community, is aiming to generate proceeds that would benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Roach, along with musician Jamie Fox, has been one of the steady faces of Parkinson’s over the years.
The boxer turned trainer was officially diagnosed with the disease after walking away from fighting in 1986.
In an article from philboxing.com, Roach expressed his thoughts on MMA and boxing.
“People shouldn’t compare MMA and Boxing,” said the boxing Hall of Famer. “They are two completely different sports, but there is no reason the two communities can’t be one and co-exist.
“It’s an honor to be able to support both Parkinson’s research and combat sports through Smash Global III,” he added.
Poster for the Smash Global III event. Screengrab from Smash Global’s Facebook page.
Meanwhile, attendees of the black tie gala will enjoy an exclusive red carpet entrance, a cocktail reception, a formal plated dinner, and a front row seats to 6 professional MMA bouts sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission.
Smash Global III will be hosted by UFC bantamweight champion Dominic Cruz alongside 8-time World Champion and 2012 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns,
Hollywood actor and director Frank Gillo and female boxing manager Jackie Kallen will also grace the event.
