Legendary boxing coach Naazim Richardson, a mainstay at West Philadelphia's Shuler Gym, died Friday at 54, the Boxing Writers Association of America confirmed.
The cause of Richardson's death was not revealed, but he had been battling a long illness, according to ESPN, and had dealt with health issues in the past, including a stroke in 2007.
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Richardson rose to prominence in Philadelphia by training boxing greats like Bouie Fisher, Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley and Steve Cunningham.
Hopkins honored Richardson with an Instagram post on Friday.
Several other boxers posted tributes to Richardson as well.
Richardson is survived by two sons, Tiger and Rock Allen, who both had professional boxing careers.