Bill Gore

Bill Gore

Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008, Bill Gore will always be remembered as one of the best trainers in boxing history.

Born in Providence, Rhode,Island and initially learning and applying his trade in New York, Bill Gore was nevertheless, a tremendous influence on our local boxing scene.

Gore learned much of his boxing knowledge initially from Benny Leonard, who trained at Stillman’s Gym in New York City. He also earned first class experience training fighters alongside all-time trainer greats such as Ray Arcel, Whitey Bimstein, Charlie Goldman, Lou Stillman, Chickie Ferrara, Chris Dundee and Angelo Dundee.

In 1940 Gore began a boxing partnership with Lou Viscusi and began training fighters in Hartford, Connecticut as well. Lou Viscusi specialized in managing boxers, and Gore handled the physical conditioning and boxing training. Gore was also responsible for developing Willie Pep into one of the best pure boxers in boxing history as well as guiding him to a world championship. Other boxers Gore developed throughout his career includes, Tony Licata, Joey Archer, Bob Foster, Ezzard Charles, Del Flanagan, Mike McTigue, Melio Bettina, Johnny Cesario, Bobby Woods, Danny Nardico, Charlie Riley and Nick Stato

In the mid to late 1950’s Viscusi decided to move his main operations to Houston, Gore also moved to Houston and began training fighters here. Operating out of a downtown Houston gym, he began influencing some of the most talented boxers in the area including, Kenny Weldon, Manny Gonzalez, Cleveland “Big Cat” Williams, Joe “Old Bones” Brown, and Roy Harris.

Gore was given high praise by Manny Gonzalez who was quoted as saying, ” I used to be a wild puncher, a face first fighter, but Bill made me a boxer and this is what I needed”. Joe “Old Bones” Brown, an accomplished and highly skilled boxer before working with Gore gave Gore credit for teaching him how and when to “sit down” on his punches for maximum leverage” which added to his already phenomenal boxing skills, made Brown a dominating force in boxing. Kenny Weldon, who would later become one of the most successful boxing trainers in boxing history, credits Gore with helping him understand the fundamentals as well as the finer aspects of boxing, as well as how to “communicate” boxing to others.

Kenny Weldon, Roy Harris, and several other Gore proteges took what Gore taught them and developed many champions, who in turn developed and continue to develop even more champions. For this reason Mr. Gore’s name will forever be a part of everything that is boxing in Houston, Texas.