It was June 16, 2023, when renowned trainer Freddie Roach surprised everyone by getting married to his longtime partner, Marie Spivey, in the ring where he trained Manny Pacquiao and several other boxers. Interestingly, he said his vows on the same day Marie’s parents had tied the knot a few decades ago. It goes without saying that he was close to Marie’s parents.

And Mr. Spivey’s death has been tough on Roach. “I met my wife’s father over 20 years ago. From the first day I met him, he never asked for anything but to look after his daughter. Always kind and welcoming anytime I’ve seen him and spoken to him.

“Spent his life in service to others. He passed unexpectedly on Saturday evening. To my father-in-law, Mr. Spivey, sir, thank you for welcoming me into your family. May you rest in peace,” Roach wrote on Instagram and also shared a photo of Mr. Spivey in his uniform.

Mr. Spivey was one of the happiest when Roach took his blessings before proposing to Marie.

After all, Marie had been at the Wild Card gym for 22 of its 30 years. During that time, she went from a client to an employee to Roach’s girlfriend. Eventually, she became his business partner and wife.

“I called her parents up. I said, ‘Hey, can I marry your daughter?’ Because she’s the only one who can deal with me. And they started screaming. ‘Yes, marry her!’,” Roach recalled earlier this year.

The ceremony was ordinary but symbolic. It looked like just another regular day: a place full of regulars and walk-ins. Around lunchtime, the staff stopped everyone and gathered them around the ring. A minister pulled up on a motorcycle, went upstairs, and administered the marriage like a referee standing between Roach and Marie.

There were cupcakes later. And 15 minutes later, the gym resumed its normal functions.

However, Marie’s story began in Korea. Spivey, a U.S. naval officer, and his wife were stationed in Seoul. The couple couldn’t have children, and so, they had already adopted a daughter from California. But one fine day, Marie’s mother drove to an orphanage in the city of Incheon, where she decided to adopt two boys.

As she was walking down the hall, she noticed Marie, who was just 11 days old, and took her instead. So, Marie grew up about an hour outside of Tucson and later moved to California.

The man who took care of her departed for the heavenly abode. And social media users are praying for him.

Social media users join Freddie Roach and pay a beautiful tribute

“My sincere condolences to you and your family. May your father-in-law Rest In Peace 🙏🏾,” a user commented. Meanwhile, another user praised Roach for his beautiful tribute. “Beautiful tribute @freddieroach give my best to Marie ?❤️.”

It was bound to be beautiful since Freddie Roach himself viewed Mr. Spivey as a father figure.

His own father, Paul, was far from a genteel soul. As a young lad, Roach was once caught shoplifting from a store in Massachusetts. When he got home, his father unloaded a barrage of punches right in front of others. He was a product of that environment, though he grew up to become extraordinarily charitable.

Top Stories

Floyd Mayweather Faces Threat of Losing Post-Boxing Empire as 8-Figure Debts Mount: Report

Anthony Joshua Discharged From Hospital as Police Arrest Driver Over Fatal Car Crash in Nigeria

Jake Paul Faces Another Setback as WBA Drops Him After Anthony Joshua Knockout Loss

Floyd Mayweather Breaks Silence as $402M Real Estate Deal Goes Allegedly Wrong

“Freddie, I am so sorry for your and Marie’s loss. May he rest in peace 🙏🏼🕊🙏🏼🕊🙏🏼,” a user wrote. Another promised a shout-out to Roach’s father-in-law. “RIP Marie’s dad. Imma give a shoutout to him during my panel for next year’s SDCC since San Diego is a Navy town.”

Many fans shared their condolences.

“I’m sorry for your loss. Amazing life worth living, and a great example for everyone.”

Freddie Roach had to say goodbye to one of the closest people in his life. He has plenty of support from the community.