Boxing has lost one of its sharpest minds.

Acclaimed trainer Tommy Brooks, who worked with several world champions including Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, passed away on Tuesday at 71 years old.

Brooks passed away at 71 years old on Tuesday

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Brooks passed away at 71 years old on TuesdayCredit: Getty

Confirming the news, Promoter Lou DiBella took to social media overnight to post: “It was just confirmed by his family that esteemed boxing trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight, after having fought a very aggressive cancer.

“Too young. Great boxing man and even better person, he was just a solid dude.

“Shared many memorable nights with Tommy and his wife, Donna Duva, during the glory days of Main Events.

“My love and prayers to Donna and all their fam.”

Before he transitioned to coaching, Brooks enjoyed a brief, yet fruitful stint on the other side of the ropes.

He excelled as an amateur, winning the 1975 National AAU Middleweight crown, before turning over as a professional in 1977 to embark on a 10-fight (7-3) run.

Brooks is best known for his work with Holyfield, whom he guided to multiple cruiserweight and heavyweight world titles.

He masterminded ‘The Real Deal’s’ two wins over Tyson in 1996 and 1997 before taking ‘Iron Mike’ under his wing a year later.

Between 1998 and 2001, Brooks guided Tyson to six knockout victories in six bouts.

However, they went their separate ways ahead of ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’s’ WBC and IBF heavyweight title clash against Lennox Lewis in 2002.

Brooks enjoyed a successful partnership with Holyfield

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Brooks enjoyed a successful partnership with HolyfieldCredit: GettyMike Tyson (L) of the US walks away after knocking down Francois Botha (C) of South Africa as referee Richard Steele (R) walks in during the fifth round of their heavyweight fight 16 January at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, NV. Tyson won the fight by knockdown in the fifth round in their 10-round bout. It was Tyson's first fight since 28 June 1997 when he was disqualified for biting Evander Holyfield's ears during a world championship rematch. Fined three million dollars and banned from the ring after the incident, Tyson had his boxing license reinstated by the state Athletic Commission on 19 October 1998 after two hearings. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)

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Brooks worked with Tyson during the back end of his careerCredit: Getty

Brooks also worked with Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko during the early 2000s, as well as fellow heavyweight champions Michael Grant and Samuel Peter.

Known as an astute tactician, Brooks developed the game plan for both of Junior Jones’ famous upset victories over the previously undefeated Marco Antonio Barrera in 1996 and 1997.

Other great fighters that he helped develop include three-weight world champion Mike McCallum and former IBF lightweight and WBA light middleweight title holder Vinny Pazienza.

Brooks was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003 and is expected to be considered for a posthumous induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.