Photo: Bob Ryder
By Bob Ryder
Former middleweight contender Mickey Goodwin apparently died of a stroke according to local authorities. The Detroit Free Press initially reported that Goodwin was found bludgeoned to death in his suburban Detroit home late yesterday afternoon. However, now it looks like Goodwin had a stroke and fell down the stairs and no foul play is suspected. Goodwin (50) was one of the first stars of Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym turning pro along with Thomas Hearns under the guidance of trainer Emanuel Steward in 1977. Goodwin was a very popular performer and complied a record of 40-2-1 with 28 knockouts. In line for a title shot against Marvelous Marvin Hagler in 1982, an injury forced him out and teammate William “Caveman” Lee took his place only to be quickly knocked out by Hagler in the first round. Goodwin never received a title fight opportunity. Recently, Goodwin was a fixture at local amateur shows, training and seconding amateur boxers.
