The WBC announced the death of distinguished and beloved trainer Héctor Roca. Based in New York City, Roca was of Panamanian origin. He was associated with the famous Gleason Gym for many years, from when it was in Manhattan to its current base in Brooklyn. Roca trained numerous champions including Iran Barkley, Arturo Gatti, Regilio Tuur, Buddy McGirt, Hather Hardy and others. Actress Hilary Swank personally thanked Hector for his coaching and encouragement in her Oscar speech, after receiving her Academy Award for the boxing film Million Dollar Baby. Hardy wrote, "I love you papa. May you rest in eternal peace. Today I lost my coach, my dad, my mentor and the only man in the world that I trust." Among his many honors, he was named New York trainer of the year.
Boxer-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita added, "A sad day for me and the boxing community as we say good bye to one of the best trainers of his day. Hector Roca had a wealth of knowledge and he helped and trained me for many of my most important fights." Boxingtalk joins the WBC and many others in sending its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Hector Roca.
