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Manuel “Chato” Robles Sr. who trained former world champions Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez and Martin “Gallito” Castillo passed away on Saturday night due to complications of pneumonia. Robles, who worked with his fighters out of the Azteca and Maywood Gym trained fighters for the Espinoza Boxing Club for fifteen years and helped to launch Vazquez early in his career. A man of great ability as a trainer, Robles ended his career training Castillo and his stable-mate Manny “Suavecito” Roman. Robles also trained countless other fighters including former WBA middleweight champion Reggie Johnson. “If Manuel "Chato" Robles told me to go out there and close my eyes and throw this, this, and this, I would do it in a heart-beat. That's how much I believe in and trust in this man,” Johnson once stated regarding Robles. “He will be missed. He was a great trainer who always fought for his fighters and a good person. I hope everyone keeps him and his family in his prayers. We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family,” stated Espinoza Boxing Club president Frank Espinoza. His son Manuel Jr. will continue to work with some of Espinoza’s fighters in hopes of furthering his father’s legacy.
