Tom McCluskey, second from the left, had close ties with many boxers. (P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame)

Tom McCluskey, one of Canada's most respected boxing coaches whose understanding of the sweet science was considered second to none, has died. He was 87.

Born in Charlottetown, "Young Tom" McCluskey's boxing career began in October 1937 at the age of 13. Standing just over five-foot-seven, with a fighting weight between 130 to 145 pounds, he had what has been described as a cat-like ring style and could deliver damaging blows while opponents were distracted by his feints.

McCluskey was undefeated in 35 amateur and professional bouts. But his career ended abruptly at the age of 24 after suffering a double skull fracture while serving as a stoker with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War.

Retirement did not quell his passion for boxing, however. He began managing and training boxers in Dartmouth, where his wife would later serve as mayor before it became part of Halifax.

Under his stewardship, McCluskey's younger brothers Ace and Cobey won Maritime middleweight titles. He later handled top-ranked fighters, earning the nickname "The Owl" for his ring wisdom.

In what is considered one of his greatest feats as a trainer, McCluskey helped transform kick-fighter Ralph Hollett into Canada's top middleweight. And for two turbulent years he managed and trained the troubled future world heavyweight champion, Trevor Berbick.

McCluskey's knowledge of boxing even earned the attention of the Montreal Canadiens, who employed him for several years to teach their farm team, the Halifax Voyageurs, self-defence.

Throughout his career, he formed close bonds with his boxers. One of his pupils, Cape Breton boxer Les Gillis, had so much respect for McCluskey that following a Canadian lightweight victory, he offered him three quarters of his fight purse.

In 1982, the Canadian Boxing Federation recognized McCluskey's achievements with its Trainer of the Year Award. He was inducted into the Prince Edward Island Sports Hall of Fame along with his brothers Ace, Cobey and Wilf in 1999.

McCluskey died Tuesday in hospital in Dartmouth. He is survived by his wife, Gloria, four children and eight grandchildren.