Press Release: Former WBA heavyweight champion Tony "TNT" Tubbs has seen many ups and downs along the way in his boxing career, but nothing is worse then seeing the passing of a fellow fighter and most importantly a friend. That friend was Preston Hartzog, the 29 year old Bogalusa, Louisiana heavyweight who passed away last week from a sudden heart attack in his Long Beach, California apartment. Hartzog had a professional record of 15-1-1 (4 KOs) with a third of those victories coming under the tutelage of Tubbs.  Hartzog had a fondness for Tubbs because he felt more on the level with him then others he had worked with. Tubbs always told him the truth and never sugar coated anything. He knew Tubbs had been to the top and knew he was the man to listen to. They not only grew a fighter/trainer relationship they grew a close friendship that felt like family and that is why the recent passing of Hartzog has hit a spot in Tubbs' heart. "He was my first fighter." said Tubbs. "He had fast hands like me and was quick on his feet and for as big as he was he could run like a deer. He would have been champion, but he will always be champion to me. I love him and I'll miss him. He was family. I send my wishes and love out to his mother, his sister Annabeth and her family and to his girlfriend Tracy. I love them all very much."