Boxing trainer dead at 83
Posted: Thursday December 17, 1998 02:19 PM
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Sam Solomon, known for training some of boxing's top heavyweights, is dead at 83.
Solomon died of heart failure at St. Ignatius Nursing Home in West Philadelphia Sunday.
He trained Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks and Sonny Liston before they became world champions.
Solomon began his career as a boxer, fighting more than 300 bouts as an amateur welterweight and lightweight. He started to box so he could defend himself from bullies in his south Philadelphia neighborhood, his family said.
Solomon became a trainer in 1950 because, he said, it was easier than getting punched. He was also a catcher in the Negro Leagues.
Solomon retired as a boxing trainer 10 years ago, but continued to work with youngsters at the Haddington Recreation Center until a few ago when he had to stop due to Alzheimer's disease.
Solomon is survived by his wife, Edith; daughter Arlen; stepdaughter Camille Veasey; a sister, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
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