Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1922
DIED
2017
Lou Duva Obituary
The Boxing Hall of Fame member died of natural causes at a hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, his son, Dino, said in a statement released by the family.
Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.
The charismatic Duva worked in boxing for more than seven decades. Duva and his family founded the influential boxing promotion company Main Events in 1978. Duva trained and managed 19 champion boxers including heavyweights Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, welterweight Pernell Whittaker, and middleweight Hector “Macho” Camacho.
Duva was born May 28, 1922, to Italian immigrants in New York City. He joined the Army after World War II broke out. He was at a training base in Mississippi when he got into a fight with two lieutenants when he was defending a black woman who was being harassed on a bus. He was then sent to Texas and assigned to be a boxing instructor.
After the war, he became a boxer but realized his talents were better suited for the business end of the sport. He opened his own boxing gym and became friends with boxing legend Rocky Marciano. He was reportedly one of the last people with whom Marciano had spoken before the boxer died in a 1969 plane crash.
Duva's Main Events put on one of the company's biggest fights in 1981 with the first Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns bout. The fight would gross $40 million. He was voted manager of the year in 1985 by the boxing writers and trainer of the year in 1987 by the World Boxing Association.
Duva is survived by his son, Dino; daughters Donna Duva-Brooks, Deanne Boorman, and Denise Duva; and daughter-in-law Kathy Duva, who currently is the president of Main Events.
Dino Duva said, “The overwhelming number of calls and sympathy wishes from so many friends and associates shows how much our father was loved and respected. We sincerely appreciate the support from everyone.”
53 Entries
Kathy Urbano
December 11, 2018
My father & Lou grew up in the same neighborhood and they were friends. My father Ken Bozzo was in Lou's wedding. I still have the pictures of Lou and his bride as well as my mother and father. Although they didn't speak much after my parents moved to California in 1947, my father spoke highly of Lou and he was one of the greats in boxing promoters and in his knowledge of boxing. I met him once when I was a little girl when we went back to Paterson to visit. I remember Mr. Duva and his wife to be kind and welcoming. I am signing this late as I didn't even know Lou has passed. RIP you were a good man. Kathy Bozzo Urbano
Laura Cannuli
June 29, 2017
It was sad to hear that Lou Duva passed. My family and I always watched boxing when I was growing up. Lou Duva was a big name! You could see the passion in his eyes, actually feel how he was feeling. I hope his family has Peace in their hearts knowing there are people who did not know him personally but felt like they knew him!!
Sueann
June 22, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Actor /Comedian/Poet Jay Mather
Jay Mather
June 22, 2017
Lou
Even though we Never Met
Your Love and compassion Spread Like fire In the ring and Beyond. Heaven Gained a Great Man.
Blessed So Many People and Now Resting in the Lords Loving Arms. For ever Pain free. See ya Soon!
How you can show support
June 15, 2017
stick and move
MAX LEVINE
June 4, 2017
this energetic man was a pleasure to watch as he PASSIONATELY PROTECTED THE RIGHTS OF SO MANY GREAT FIGHTERS. YOU COULD TELL HE CARED. REST IN PEACE. MAX LEVINE MD
April 20, 2017
Rest in Peace
Fred Rodriguez
April 2, 2017
RIP. Thank you for your enormous contribution to the world of boxing. Always a class act. Peace unto you and May God Bless.My prayers go out to your family and all who loved you.
March 31, 2017
So sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many individuals who truly care about you. May the God who supplies endurance and comfort grant you peace. (Psalms 94:19)
Felix Locklin
March 21, 2017
Rest in peace Mr. Lou Duva. You was the best cornerman next to Angelo Dundee and Emanuel Stewart.Thanks for the excitement!!!
Ray Hernandez
March 19, 2017
I still have your autograph when I saw you in San Antonio Texas when Leija fought Dorsey...I will always remember that day...R.I.P. Lou, you were truly one of a kind
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 17, 2017
RIP
L. Walters
March 16, 2017
I would like to express my condolences in the passing of Lou Duva. May our Heavenly Father be with your family during this difficult time and know that he cares for you. [ 1 Peter 5:6,7]
carl powell
March 15, 2017
just a great guy always exiting to watch...god bless his family
March 13, 2017
Rest in Peace Lou
AR
March 13, 2017
May the words written in the bible for our comfort strengthen your saddened heart during this emotional time (Matthew 5:4 NWT)
Charles Thornton
March 13, 2017
Met Lou in Houston in the late eighties.what a pleasure...my condolences to the family'
March 13, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
R D
March 13, 2017
Please except my deepest and sincere condolences for the loss of your dear beloved one. May God be with your family during this most difficult time in their lives.
Joel Villanueva
March 12, 2017
Rest in peace
March 12, 2017
Dear Duva family, please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one. No doubt they will be missed dearly. Please rest assured of God's love and desire for our loved ones who have died to live again. 1 Corinthians 15: 20-22
Mike Navarro
March 11, 2017
To the entire Duva Family,
On behalf of my father, Richard Navarro, a member of the Preakness "Rat Pack" our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Our entire family truly appreciated his kindness and wonderful sense of humor he shared even in the most challenging of circumstances. Jerry and my Dad, along with the entire Navarro children will miss him dearly.
Lou & Franco
Franco Falcinelli
March 11, 2017
http://www.eubcboxing.org/news/lou-duva-passing-away/
by Franco Falcinelli, Italy
Christabella Silkenfast
March 11, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your loss. God's words can comfort you and bring you inner peace. Know that he reside with those crushed and lowly in spirit to revive the heart of those being crushed. Isaiah 57:15 I wish you peace and strength.... smiles among your tears as you remember the happy times shared.
March 11, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
March 11, 2017
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
March 10, 2017
Sending you deepest condolences at this difficult time of loss. Please, turn to God, the hearer of prayer and comforter of the brokenhearted. Only he can provide escape from death Psalms 68:20.
Ed Helinski
March 10, 2017
RIP Mr Duva. It was a pleasure meeting and seeing you over the years, from NY Jets games to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota.
david breal
March 9, 2017
you are the man Lou you are the man God Bless
March 9, 2017
Sincere condolences on your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Harry Simpson
March 9, 2017
Godspeed Lou, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Lou, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Mike Dyer
March 9, 2017
The bell has rung for Lou, but clearly, he 'went the distance'. He will be sorely missed. Was there ever a kinder or more decent man in boxing, or any other business for that matter? My sincerest sympathy to Donna, Dino, Denise , Deanne and Kathy.You will miss him, but, if you continue, as you have, to carry on his legacy, he will never really be gone!
Masked Spectre
March 9, 2017
Lou was a good man and a great trainer. He even crossed The Sweet Science with The King of Sports to second the late, great Roddy Piper at the 2nd Wrestlemania in a "boxing match" with Mr. T.
Ring the bell 10 times; rest in peace Lou.
R. C.
March 9, 2017
To The Family Of Lou Duva
My condolences to the family during this time of such great sorrow. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace to endure this difficult time.
AC
March 9, 2017
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10.
M D
March 9, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning. (Psalms86:17)
March 9, 2017
May the peace of God be with you.
Patty Karney
March 9, 2017
Our hearts go out to the Duva family. Lou has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember going back to childhood, and of my husbands. We are both in our 60's. Prayers to the family. Lou and my dad are probably comparing notes in Heaven.
Adrian Barnette
March 9, 2017
We'll miss you !
March 9, 2017
Sorry for the loss of your loved one. Glad to hear Lou lived a rich, full life.
May the God of all comfort, grant you peace in these difficult times.
Best wishes to you and yours.
Anthony Esposito
March 9, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the entire Duva family on Lou's passing. I will never forget many of the great memories he provided us throughout his career.
He worked hard and now will rest comfortably in our God's eternal peace.
Anthony Esposito
Sarasota, FL
C Di Donato
March 9, 2017
To the Duva Family,
May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
R.I.P. Lou, a true Boxing Legend
C. Di Donato & family
Chick Bowers
March 9, 2017
Met Lou at Grossingers waiting for Breland and
Whitaker.Worked for him with Vinny Pazienza
and Master Seo.
Quality human being.
Rest in Peace Lou,
Chick Bowers
Sheila
March 9, 2017
Godspeed Lou. We will miss you.
Adrian Barnette
March 8, 2017
We'll miss you !
March 8, 2017
Deepest condolences. Mr. Duva was appreciated he will be missed sadly. May God strengthens his loved ones in their time of needs. Lou will be missed very much.
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Shelly Stern
March 8, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family of Lou Duva. He was sincerely a great personality in the boxing world. I used to watch Evander Holyfield box on TV with my Dad, Joe Stein of the Bronx, NY. Lou Duva you are now with the Lord, rest in peace.
Jim Matthews
March 8, 2017
Lou enjoyed your spirit and charm , thanks for your help at golden gloves in Paterson. Jim Matthews
Showing 1 - 53 of 53 results
Make a Donation
in Lou Duva's name
How to support Lou's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lou Duva's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored