Philadelphia has produced some of the greatest boxers ever, but it was also the birthplace of Angelo Dundee. Born Angelo Mirena, he changed his name, like his brothers, so that their parents would not know they were in the fighting game. Dundee got his start at Stillman’s Gym in New York city after he followed his brother, Chris, who wanted to be a promoter. He worked as a ‘bucket boy’ and a ‘go-fer’ and was mentored by the likes of Charlie Goldman, Ray Arcel and Chickie Ferrera. He watched and learned to tape hands, handle cuts, and became the best ’bucket man’ around.
During the 1940s his reputation grew and he became known as one of the best corner men in the business, which put him in great demand. While in New York, Dundee worked the corner of Carmen Basilio, who was his first world champion, and Sugar Ray Robinson.
In 1950, Chris Dundee opened the 5th Street Gym in Miami, Florida, and Angelo followed his brother into a successful partnership that developed the careers of many world champions.
Undoubtedly, Dundee’s most famous partnerships were with Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. While working with Ali throughout his career Dundee became the most well known and respected boxing trainer in the world, and as Ali’s career was coming to an end, Dundee helped guide Sugar Ray Leonard to stardom. In later years, Dundee would work with the likes of Evander Holyfield and George Foreman, amongst many others.
Angelo Dundee’s greatest gift is that he could add that little extra to a fighters make up, whether the fighter be a youngster just starting out, or a mature and seasoned fighter who is looking for a new edge. More than anything else Dundee understood how boxers brains worked.
When people speak about Angelo Dundee, they are reminded of his great enthusiasm and motivation he brought to a corner. The record of producing 15 world champions speaks volumes of the success story that was Angelo Dundee. Considered one of the greatest boxing trainers in the history of boxing he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
Copyright © 2015 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com and www.theboxingtribune.com
No comments:
Post a Comment