Former British boxing legend and trainer Colin Smith passed away on May 20. Kevin Lueshing, who fought the likes of Felix Trinidad and Harry Simon during an exciting eight-year career, shared the following post on the Facebook page of his Champs Boxing Club in Spain:
“I write the following with a very heavy heart: I have just heard that my former coach and boxing legend Colin Smith – who represents three-weight world champion Duke McKenzie – sadly passed away on May 20. That’s a picture of us together [see below] during my boxing days and it is a memory I will cherish forever.
Colin Smith & Kevin Lueshing (c/o Champs Boxing Club, Facebook)
Colin’s daughter, Tracy Collins Smith, would like to extend an open invitation to anyone in the boxing community who knew her father to attend the memorial service at the Queen’s Head in Chislehurst, Kent, from 1pm on June 26 .
Just let her know by emailing: [email protected]
Colin is one of the few people in my life who truly made a difference and steered me in the right direction.
A champion to the end, I know he would like any donations to go to Dementia UK as they wage their own fight against this terrible curse. Additionally, well-wishers will also be able to leave contributions at the wake.
RIP Colin Smith – April 10, 1941 to May 20, 2024”
Smith was in Kevin Lueshing’s corner as ‘The Look’ recovered from his stoppage defeat to Chris Saunders, defeating the Barnsley man in a hugely entertaining British welterweight championship bout.
“Colin gave me his undivided attention and that was exactly what I needed,” Lueshing later explained of the difference in preparation between fights.
Along with trainer Mickey Duff, trainer Colin Smith was instrumental in helping Duke McKenzie become a three-weight world champion and MBE. Duke was famous for following in the footsteps of his brothers, Winston, Dudley and Clinton, into boxing, and it was Smith, whom Duke described as a “really lovely guy”, who would train him in throughout his extremely successful career.
Everyone stays Boxing news We would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to Colin’s family and friends.
