(Image Source: USA Today)
BY ORLA O MUIRI
ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY
He never threw a punch -- but he was known across the boxing world as one of its all-time greats. He coached one of the greatest fighter’s ever -- Muhammad Ali. The iconic trainer Angelo Dundee died this week. ESPN has more on the legendary man in the corner.
“He was a teacher, trainer and tactition. He motivated men like Ali, George Foreman and Sugar Ray Leonard. In fact Leonard said about Dundee, quote; “in the heat of a fight there is no one better to have in your corner than Angelo.”
Dundee was best known for his relationship with Ali- a three time heavyweight champion. According to theage.com....
“Ali signed with Dundee in 1960 after culminating his amateur career with the light-heavyweight gold medal at that year's Olympic Games in Rome. Four years later, Ali became the second-youngest heavyweight champion, beating Sonny Liston.”
Dundee was Ali’s coach and trainer for some of boxing’s biggest fights ever -- the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ and the ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ WLKY notes, as high profile as those two fights were, it was behind the scenes where Dundee really came to life...
“His visibility on the major stages were minute compared to where he did his real work.
In cold, empty boxing rings -- away from the cameras and commentators -- Dundee worked to not only train his boxers to be the best, he convinced them they could be.”
Dundee was 90 years old -- his career lasted six decades. In an interview before his death with the BBC, Dundee wanted to help boxing flourish, just as it did when he was ringside.
“You can’t live on the memory, you live for today.... boxing is a great sport and I want to see it flourish like it did when I had a great time with Muhammad and Ray Leonard.”
