Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach has taken on a new pupil with a familiar last name.
The seven-time Boxing Writers Association of America trainer of the year recently started working with heavyweight Trey Lippe-Morrison (8-0, 8 KOs), the 25-year-old son of the late heavyweight knockout artist Tommy Morrison.
“Freddie and I connected well during our first session,” said Lippe-Morrison, who was previously trained by Jesse Reid. “It means the world that Freddie wants to work with me because I'm only 8-0. The majority of his fighters are at the championship level, and I'm not there yet. I expect to get great sparring at the Wild Card Gym and receive constant feedback from the training staff.”
Lippe-Morrison, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, turned pro in February 2014 and has fought exclusively in his home state, although an Aug. 29 bout is scheduled to take place in Joplin, Missouri.
“I'm really looking forward to working Trey's corner for the first time later this month,” Roach said. “He has tremendous power in both hands. We're going to knock a lot of people out.”
Tommy Morrison (48-3-1, 42 KOs), who died at age 44 in 2013, was a knockout artist, although his biggest win came by decision when he outpointed George Foreman to win a vacant world title in 1993.
Promoter Tony Holden, who also promoted Tommy Morrison, said he was glad that Lippe-Morrison will benefit from Roach’s teaching.
“I’m excited to have Freddie on board,” Holden said. “I knew Trey was special, but Freddie working with him confirms that. Trey's dad was a great fighter whose biggest attribute was power. Trey has more raw power than his father did, and I truly mean that. It's going to be great to see his career develop under Freddie Roach."