Bimstein, Whitey

Morris Bimstein

One of the greatest trainers in boxing history, Bimstein worked in the corner of approximately 25 world champions, including Gene Tunney, Harry Greb, Jake LaMotta, and Barney Ross. In 1933, he sat in the royal box with Spain's King Alfonso at the San Sebastian bull fights after handling Spanish heavyweight Paolino Uzcudun in his fight with world champ Primo Carnera (Carnera retained his belt in a 15-round decision). Called Whitey by everyone but his family (who called him by his given name, Morris), Bimstein was constantly at Stillman's Gym in New York working with champions and challengers alike.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1897 - d. July 1969

Career Highlights:
Bimstein, who was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, hated school when he was young, and his formal education ended at the age of 12. Prior to World War I, he began his professional boxing career as a bantamweight and featherweight under manager Lou Brix. After 70 professional fights, Bimstein -- who served in the U.S. Navy during the Great War -- decided to switch to corner work because less physical harm was involved. He began as Brix's second trainer during fights.

By the early 1920s, Bimstein quickly became one of the best cut-men in the business. He worked with some of the greatest fighters in history, such as Harry Greb, Gene Tunney, Jack Dempsey, Mickey Walker, and others, as well as helping such outstanding Jewish pugilists as Ruby Goldstein, Abe Goldstein, and "Kid" Kaplan. In 1925, Bimstein began a partnership with the legendary trainer, Ray Arcel. The two worked together for nine years and called themselves, "The Siamese Training Twins."

During his time with Arcel, Bimstein was sought out by top fighters in all weight classes. Among those that they worked for were Jewish champions Jackie "Kid" Berg, Benny Leonard, Charley Phil Rosenberg, Barney Ross, and Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom. Bimstein also worked with countless other champions and in 1937 at promoter Mike Jacobs' "Carnival of Champions," Whitey was in the corner for four champs, Lou Ambers, Ross, Fred Apostoli, and Sixto Escobar.

Following World War II, Bimstein started another pairing with a legendary trainer, Freddie Brown. During this time, he also acted as cut man for some of Charley Goldman's fighters, including Rocky Marciano -- Bimstein closed a split on Marciano's nose during the Ezzard Charles fight that helped Rocky retain his perfect record. He continued to fight in the 1950s and 1960s and estimated that he worked approximately 35,000-40,000 fights during his career!

Origin:
New York City

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