When Jorge Capetillo's financial circumstances got tight during the coronavirus pandemic, an old friend was there to lend the trainer a helping hand -- heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Last year, as Fury suffered a major cut over his right eye in a fight against Otto Wallin, Capetillo, who served as Fury's cutman that night, played a pivotal role in the fight, and eventually in Fury's victory. Because of that, the two have forged a close relationship.
"[Fury] is still very grateful," Capetillo told Sky Sports on Wednesday. "When he knew we were locked down because of COVID-19 and my gym was closed, he texted me and said, 'Is there anything I can do to help?'
"He is still taking care of me. He sent me money," Capetillo added.
With the sport being shut down for months, revenue was cut off for boxers and trainers. Capetillo was in New York in mid-March with Jessie Magdaleno, who was scheduled to fight March 14 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. But that card, and every other one scheduled after it over the next few months, was canceled because of the pandemic.
"I came home with empty pockets. I was scared, I didn't know what to do," Capetillo recalled. "[Fury] knew Jessie's fight was canceled. He asked about my family and what he could do. He said, 'I'll sort out some money for your family so you can be good.'"
A few weeks earlier, Fury had knocked out Deontay Wilder in seven rounds, in what turned out to be the last big event in boxing in 2020.
"He is a great man, so humble. He had the time to ask how I was doing with my family during this crisis," said Capetillo, who is back to training his boxers in Las Vegas, including Magdaleno, who won a 10th-round disqualification against Yenifel Vicente on June 11, and Javier Martinez, who makes his pro debut Tuesday night at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.
Capetillo is back to work, but the assistance Fury provided him was vital during a down period.
"I will always be grateful to [Fury]. I'll always be here for him, anything I can help with," a thankful Capetillo said.