Angelo Dundee was born Angelo Mirena on August 30, 1921 His older brother took the last name of his favorite fighter later Angelo followed suit. Angelo worked with 15 world champions, greats like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Carmen Basilio, George Foreman and Willie Pastrano to name a few.
Born in Philadelphia to Italian parents, Dundee moved to New York to work with his brother Chris Dundee, who was a boxing promoter. Angelo learned how to be a cornerman by watching the great trainers of Stillman's Gym. Men like Charlie Goldman, Ray Arcel, and Chickie Ferrera also from his brother Chris. Angelo’s first World Champion was Carmen Basilio. Basilio defeated Tony DeMarco for the world welterweight crown. Later Basilio moved up in weight and took the World Middleweight crown from the great Sugar Ray Robinson.Angelo trained & cornered Ali for all his fights except for two (1960 against Hunsaker Ali was trained by Archie Moore) and Jimmy Ellis in 1971 cause Angelo also trained Ellis.
Dundee said he was shocked when George Foreman called and asked if Angelo would train him. Angelo said yes and in 1994 “Big George” became the oldest Heavyweight Champion in history beating the then undefeated Michael Moorer.
Angelo Dundee was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994.
Dundee died at the age of 90 on February 1, 2012, in Tampa, Florida.
