The enduring legacy of Max Garcia

The boxing community is mourning the loss of longtime trainer Max Garcia, who passed away last month from kidney failure at 73. Garcia, a beloved figure in Salinas, California, left a lasting impact on countless lives in and out of the ring.

Garcia began training fighters more than 20 years ago, starting at an east Salinas gym before eventually setting up a ring at his home. There he welcomed boxers to live and train, making the sport a family affair. His wife, Kathy and his daughter Melissa, managed fighters, while their son, Sam, served as an assistant coach. Sam now looks to carry on the family tradition.

Throughout his career, Garcia worked with fighters from across the United States, earning a reputation for his unwavering commitment to their well-being. He trained three boxers to No. 1 world rankings, including Salinas natives Jose Celaya and Ruben Villa, though a world title eluded him. Garcia’s dedication was evident in his willingness to travel to Riverside, California, for sparring sessions with Robert Garcia or to Big Bear Lake, California, to work with Abel Sanchez’s fighters, including Gennadiy Golovkin.

“He was my best friend. I shared everything with him,” Sam told BoxingScene about his father. “It’s strange not having him here.”

Now back in Riverside, Sam is training fighters at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, determined to continue the legacy his father started.

Legendary cutman Mike Bazzel shared memories of working with Garcia, recalling their early collaboration during Don Chargin promotions in the early 2010s. Bazzel described Garcia’s trust as both immediate and meaningful.

“We worked Don Chargin shows together. He had Paul Mendez and Perez,” Bazzel told BoxingScene. “One of his cutmen, Joe Chavez — a legend — came up to me after seeing me work and said, ‘You did a good job. The only advice I can give is to know that you don’t know everything. You can always learn.’”

When Chavez stepped away, Garcia entrusted Bazzel to take over. The trust was solidified during their first fight together, where Bazzel successfully managed a cut for Paul Mendez, leading to a win.

“Max had faith in me early on, and that meant a lot because his family is serious — they don’t let just anyone in,” Bazzel said. “I felt proud and grateful for the chance he gave me.”

Despite never securing a world title, Garcia’s legacy endures through the fighters he mentored and the lives he touched, always prioritizing safety and preparing his athletes for life beyond boxing.

“He lives on through me,” Sam said. “I know he’d be proud that I continued what he started.”