Angelo Dundee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Angelo Dundee
|
|
|---|---|
Dundee in 2000
|
|
| Born |
Angelo Mirena
August 30, 1921 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
| Died | February 1, 2012 (aged 90) Tampa, Florida, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Boxing trainer |
| Years active | 1955–2005 |
| Known for | Training Muhammad Ali (1960–1981) |
Angelo Dundee (born Angelo Mirena; August 30, 1921 – February 1, 2012) was a famous American boxing trainer. He was also known as a "cornerman," which means he worked in the boxer's corner during fights, giving advice and helping them.
Angelo Dundee is best known for training the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali from 1960 to 1981. He also helped 15 other world boxing champions. Some of these champions include Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, and Carmen Basilio.
Contents
Angelo Dundee's Early Life
Angelo Mirena was born on August 30, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents were immigrants from Italy. His father's name was accidentally written as Mirena when he came to the U.S.
In the early 1940s, Angelo changed his last name to 'Dundee'. He chose this name after a famous American boxing champion named Johnny Dundee.
During World War II, Angelo worked as an aircraft mechanic for the United States Air Force. He even served in England in 1944-45. His first experience helping boxers was during Air Force boxing tournaments. After the war ended in 1945, he moved to New York City. There, he started working at Stillman's Gym to learn how to be a boxing trainer.
Angelo Dundee's Boxing Training Career
After learning the ropes in New York City, Dundee moved to Miami Beach, Florida. There, he and his brother opened their own gym called the "Fifth Street Gym."
Carmen Basilio was the first world champion Dundee helped as a cornerman. Basilio won the world welterweight title in 1955. He also won the World Middleweight title in 1957.
Working with Muhammad Ali
Angelo Dundee traveled all over the world with Muhammad Ali. He was Ali's cornerman for almost all of Ali's fights.
Dundee trained the young Cassius Clay, who later became Muhammad Ali, in many of his early matches. This included fights against Archie Moore and Sonny Liston. Ali won the heavyweight title from Liston.
Dundee continued to train Ali through many famous fights. These included matches against Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton. One time, in 1971, Dundee was in the corner for Jimmy Ellis when Ellis fought Ali. Ali won that fight.
Some people accused Dundee of loosening the ring ropes before Ali's 1974 fight with George Foreman, called The Rumble in the Jungle. This was supposedly to help Ali use his "rope-a-dope" strategy. However, Dundee always said he did not touch the ropes.
In 1998, after many years, Dundee and Muhammad Ali met again for a TV commercial. They remained good friends until Dundee passed away. Dundee always called Ali "my kid."
Other Important Work
Dundee saw a bright future in Sugar Ray Leonard. He even called Leonard "a smaller version of Ali." Dundee was Leonard's cornerman for many of his biggest fights. These included matches against Roberto Durán and Thomas Hearns.
During Leonard's first fight with Thomas Hearns, Dundee thought Leonard was losing. He famously told him, "You're blowing it, son! You're blowing it!" Leonard then went on to win the fight.
Dundee often watched other boxing matches to learn about other fighters. In 1973, he watched the first fight between Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He was heard saying that Frazier was hurt before he was knocked down. He also asked for the fight to be stopped when Frazier was knocked down many times. Foreman won that fight.
Later, Dundee also trained George Foreman. He was with Foreman for his 1991 fight against Evander Holyfield. He was also there when Foreman won the heavyweight title in 1994.
Dundee also trained many other world champions. These include Luis Manuel Rodríguez, Willie Pastrano, and José Nápoles.
Dundee's Reputation
Throughout his career, Angelo Dundee was known as a kind and honest man in the world of boxing. A famous sportscaster named Howard Cosell once said, "If I had a son who wanted to be a fighter and I couldn't talk him out of it, the only man I would let train him is Angelo Dundee." This shows how much respect people had for him.
Retirement and Later Years
In 2005, Dundee helped actor Russell Crowe prepare for his role as boxer James J. Braddock in the movie Cinderella Man. Dundee traveled to Australia to work with Crowe. He even appeared in the movie as a cornerman named "Angelo."
In 2008, he worked as a special helper for Oscar De La Hoya's fight against Manny Pacquiao.
Angelo Dundee's Death
Angelo Dundee passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2012. He was 90 years old and living in Tampa, Florida.
His funeral was held on February 10, 2012, in Clearwater, Florida. Many people attended, including Muhammad Ali. Dundee was buried in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park cemetery in Clearwater.
Honors and Awards
Angelo Dundee was recognized for his great work in boxing. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
Images for kids
-
Parade of Champions at International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY, 2008
See also
In Spanish: Angelo Dundee para niños
