From Muhammad Ali to Sugar Ray Leonard: A Look Back at the Life of the Greatest Trainer of All-time Angelo Dundee
Tribute by “Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Angelo Dundee passed away last night at the ripe old age of 90 years old surrounded by friends and family in Tampa, Florida. I heard the news from my dear friend of 37 years, Frankie Trullenque who once worked my corner for a boxing match back in 1981, and texted me “RIP Angelo, what a life!” It sure was. Angelo Dundee was someone who I had the privilege of meeting years ago with my dad who knew him as well. To this very day, my favorite picture is from that meeting that took place at the closed circuit showing of Virgil Hill defending his title against Tommy Hearns in June of 1991, which had “Ang” as dad called him, in the middle and dad on his left, with me on the right. The picture hangs in my home boxing gym and every day I see it, but tonight when I workout, it even has more meaning….
Angelo’s accomplishments are too long to list, but boxing fans know he was the trainer for Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard to name just a few… I would like to list an accomplishment that in my opinion is even more important. He was known as a dear and sweet man to everyone he met. Years ago, Frank Sinatra was asked what he thought about the late – great Jimmy Durante? His response was: “He was like a sweet bar of chocolate.” This sums up Angelo Dundee too.
In 2000, I interviewed Angelo for my boxing book: Boxing Interviews Of A Lifetime and from the moment the tape rolled, he was giving in his answers and his love for not only the fighters he worked with, but the entire sport of boxing which was very evident in his voice. Our interview to this day, remains one of my favorites.
In a world that is not always the kindest, Angelo Dundee was a bright shining star who left a long lasting impact not only on the entire sport of boxing, but towards his fellow man. For that, Angelo and the few meetings we had over the years on a personal level, thank you very much. You will be missed. …
