Derrick James: 3Kings Boxing 2022 Trainer Of The Year!

Derrick James Continues To Prove He Is One Of Boxing's Elite Trainers

2022 Trainer of the Year Derrick James coaches Errrol Spence and Frank Martin to victory
2022 Trainer of the Year Derrick James coaches Errrol Spence and Frank Martin to victory

Trainer Derrick James Leads The Elite To Glory In 2022


For 2022, 3kingsboxing.com recognizes Derrick James as Trainer of the Year. Many responsibilities come with being a boxing trainer. One part is the daily grind of preparing their fighter for battle. The other part is the instruction in-between rounds on fight night.

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

Chief among the fighters under the tutelage of James are undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs), unified welterweight Errol Spence (28-0, 22 KOs), and top lightweight contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin (17-0, 12 KOs). All three had an outstanding 2022, thanks to the work of James.

Charlo’s lone fight was a tenth-round stoppage win over Brian Castano in May 2022 to become the undisputed junior middleweight champion. They fought previously to a split decision draw in July 2021. The rematch win over Castano was arguably Charlo’s career-best outing. Much credit goes to James for Charlo’s adjustments and improved performance from fight to second fight against Castano.

Following a sixteen-month layoff due to a detached retina, unified welterweight champion Spence returned to the ring with a tenth-round stoppage over then-WBA champion Yordenis Ugas in April 2022. Facing a cagey veteran who was no pushover, Spence outworked and outfought Ugas on the way to victory. Going in, some wondered if Spence would be a victim of ring rust. That was far from the case. He was sharp throughout the contest. James had the unified champ ready after a long time away from the ring.

Insiders knew Martin was a talented fighter. In 2022, he went from a touted prospect to a major contender in the lightweight division. Martin looked sensational in a WBA lightweight title eliminator win against Michel Rivera in December 2022. He out-boxed the boxer. Martin’s evolution to becoming a complete, well-rounded fighter is due to the countless hours he and James have done in the gym.

A sign of their credibility is how much a fighter improves and their success over time. When it comes to all that accompanies the role of a chief second, few do their job better than James.

By: Michael Wilson Jr.

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About Mike W.2088 Articles
Mike is the host of boxing podcast "Pound 4 Pound Boxing Report" and is a Senior Writer for 3kingsboxing.com.