MLive.com reports that Joe Byrd, Sr. of Flint, Michigan, a former Olympic coach and a man who trained his undersized son to two heavyweight championships, passed away on Monday at age 89.  Boxing attorney John Hornewer wrote that "Joe was the patriarch of eight uniquely talented and special children that he had with his lovely wife Rose. Joe was also a formidable boxing coach. He was the head coach of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team and followed that by leading his son Chris to two heavyweight championships (this after winning a silver medal at 165 pounds at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona).  A number of boxers from Flint owe much to Joe Byrd.  More importantly, Joe gave all he had and then some to his family and to those who had the pleasure of working with him and making his acquaintance.  To his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, deepest sympathies from me my family. One of the last of his kind."

 

Former WBC champion Anthony Dirrell, who first trained with Byrd in Flint was quoted by MLive as saying, “Joe Byrd was just an icon in Flint. The whole family was dedicated to the sport of boxing. He was a hell of a coach, a hell of a father and grandfather. If you had him, you definitely would have had one of the best. He worked with a lot of kids.”

 

Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Joe Byrd, Sr., including former heavyweight champion Chris Byrd.