Legendary Beltway Trainers Gilbert, Hughes Pass Away!

The Beltway Boxing community has lost two of its most legendary figures.  Long-time trainers Frank Gilbert and Eugene "Thunder" Hughes passed away on Monday, March 12th.  We will have a full obituary on both men as soon as information comes to us.  However, we felt we needed to get the word out on the passing of these two great local figures.

Mr. Gilbert was the head trainer at the Loch Raven Boxing Club in Baltimore for many years, training popular local boxers like Eddie Van Kirk, Tony Cygan, Chuck Sturm and Jed Phipps.  Gilbert was also a past president of the South Atlantic Association of USA Boxing and of Ring 101.  

Mr. Hughes was a fixture in DC through his work at the Midtown Youth Academy.  Hughes trained the likes of Jasper "Baby Ray" Goddard and Lisa Foster Cohen, who became a three-time world champion.

I was privileged to know both of these wonderful men.  They influenced numerous boxers as well as numerous men and women throughout the cities they represented.  They were also great influences on me and enjoyed the many times I had the opportunity to talk with them.  They were both great men and will truly be missed.

I have been told that a memorial service for Mr. Gilbert will be held sometime during the summer.  No word yet on a service for Mr. Hughes.  Again, we will be updating as information comes in.