Quiet man in the corner: Getting to know trainer Marvin Somodio

He is the quiet, somewhat shy trainer in the corner. He’s under the bright lights on fight night, and at the world-renowned Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California, alongside (multiple trainer of the year) Freddie Roach on most days.

While it is perhaps somewhat hard to move out of the shadow of a massively popular figure in boxing like Roach, Somodio is himself a well-respected trainer who is widely regarded among insiders in the game as an excellent coach and cornerman in his own right.

Somodio, perhaps most well-known for working with iconic Philippine superstar Manny Pacquiao, has also worked (assisting Roach) preparing the likes of many of boxing’s best including, Miguel Cotto, Brian Villoria, Ruslan Provodnikov, Victor Postol, Jose Ramirez and Dennis Levedev, to name a few.

After another long day at the always-bustling Wild Card Gym, MaxBoxing had a chance to catch up with the friendly, well-spoken Somodio to chat for a few minutes to get to know him a little better.

Bill Tibbs: Hi Marvin, thank you for taking a minute to talk. I know you are a busy guy.

Marvin Somodio: Hi Bill, no problem.

BT: Did you box yourself?

MS: I did. I was on the Philippine National Team as an amateur from 2004-2007. I had a 3 pro fights after that, but I realized that was not for me and I chose to stop. It was very hard as you always want to go back to it, but it is also important to know when it is time to step away from boxing.

BT: How did you connect with Freddie Roach and end up in Los Angeles?

MS: After I left the national team, I was working in a private gym called “Shape Up Boxing Gym” and Manny Pacquiao came into use the gym with Freddie. I asked them if they needed any help with anything, and also, they saw me working with other fighters. Freddy asked me if I would like to work with him as an assistant, he would train me to be his assistant, and it kind of started from there.

BT: Did you go back to LA with them?

MS: I was having Visa troubles and I couldn’t get over but in 2012, Manny Pacquiao brought me over to be part of his team and it will be 10 years I have been in Los Angeles next year.

BT: Working with Roach, you have been around so many great fighters and worked at so many great events. Did any fight or event stand out with you?

MS: The time that I got to work in the corner for the Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios fight was an amazing experience. Alex Ariza and Justin Fortune couldn’t make the trip over to Macau, China so I was there and was asked to assist in the corner. Manny requested me. He really didn’t need me, but he requested me. He is very kind like that. He is such a great guy.

BT: With the announcement that he retired from boxing the other day, how did you feel when you heard the news?

MS: I was sleeping when he released the video, but I saw it in the morning. I was shocked. I mean we all knew he would retire one day but when it happened, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe the day had come. I was happy and sad at the same time. Manny was very helpful to me in many ways in my life, like Freddie, he changed my life.

BT: While we are on the topic, do you think he will win in his presidential run in the Philippines?

MS: I don’t really follow politics right now in the Philippines, but he is very popular there. He helps so many people, there are a lot of people who would love it if he was the president, so I think he has a very good chance of being president.

BT: You have been working with Freddie for a long time now.

MS: I was working with him in the Philippines at a training camp back in 2009 but came over here in 2012. I feel like I am learning something every day from Freddie. He is a master at what he does. He can see things that many others can’t see when he watches fighters move and spar. He is very good at seeing all the strengths of a fighter and all the areas to work on. He is like a genius in many ways. Most of all the knowledge I have from boxing I learned from Freddie. I owe him a lot; he is my teacher.

BT: When you are looking at a fighter to see if they have potential, what is the one key ingredient they must have?

MS: They must have heart, not give up when things get tough. The skills, you can teach that over time, but you can’t teach heart.

BT: How do you like life in Los Angeles?

MS: It is good. I miss home at times, the people, and the culture. But for boxing, L.A. is the best.

BT: Like fighters, I’m sure trainers have goals. What are your goals?

MS: Well, I want to work with upcoming fighters, help them to develop and become the best they can. And, just like a fighter, I would love to win a world title with my fighters.

BT: I see you on social media - your lovely wife and two beautiful children.

MS: Yes. I have 2 children, a son and a daughter. I was already a trainer when I met my wife. I met her over here, she came into the Wild Card and I was training her. She came to learn to fight but she learned how to love (laughing).

BT: (Laughing) How great a story is that! Love it. Marvin thank you for taking a few minutes to chat.

MS: Thank you Bill, no problem.