Born Fred Grubtuck on January 13, 1907 on the Lower East side of Manhattan.
Brown boxed as an amateur (68-4) before a nose injury forced him to retire. While working in the shoe trade in the 1920s, he began training amateurs at Seward’s Gym. He eventually retired from the shoe business to train professional boxers full-time. In a six decade career, Brown was renowned as one of the best corner men in the sport. Among the champions and contenders he trained or worked the corner for include Bob Pastor, Harold Green, Abe Simon, Gaspar Ortega, George Chuvalo, Ernie Terrell, Dick Tiger, Joey Archer, Tony Janiro, Chico Vejar, Rubin Carter, Floyd Patterson, Billy Graham, Rocky Graziano, Vito Antuofermo, Aaron Pryor and Larry Holmes. In tandem with Ray Arcel, Brown trained Panama’s Roberto Duran. An expert cut man, his skills made him invaluable in the corner to many champions, most notably Rocky Marciano. Brown’s wizardry was instrumental in the success of the “Brockton Blockbuster’s” heavyweight title winning bout with Jersey Joe Walcott and his second bout with Ezzard Charles.
Brown died on December 4, 1986 at the age of 79, less than four months after receiving the Cus D’Amato Award for “Outstanding Service in the Field” from the New York State Athletic Commission.
Born: Jan. 13, 1907
Died: Dec. 4, 1986
Induction: 2021
Freddie Brown
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