Legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, who guided the career of Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 90.
Ali's mentor trained 15 world champions over six decades
Legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, who guided the career of Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 90.
Dundee is believed to have died of a heart attack after suffering from a blood clot in recent weeks which saw him hospitalised in Florida before being moved to a healthcare centre.
"Angelo died surrounded by family and friends," his family said in a statement. "He was very happy that he got to celebrate Ali's birthday earlier this year and also that he got to go to the (Hall of Fame).
"He still had much to do, but, led a full and extraordinary life
The American will be largely remembered as Ali's trainer, guiding the heavyweight from his early days as a professional right through a career which saw the boxer become 'The Greatest' by winning the world heavyweight three times.
However Dundee also played a significant role in the successes of the likes of Willie Pastrano, Jose Napoles, Jimmy Ellis, George Foreman and 'Sugar' Ray Leonard.
Scrambled
In total Dundee trained 15 world champions over six decades, with the Philadelphian inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994.
Dundee will be remembered in England for his role in Ali's defeat of British icon Henry Cooper at Wembley in 1963.
Cooper floored Ali - then still using his birth name of Cassius Clay - at the end of the fourth round in London with a trademark left hook which scrambled the American's senses. Ali was saved first by the bell, however, and then by Dundee, who breached the rules by helping him to the corner.
Dundee then illegally used smelling salts to help his fighter regain his senses and made a small tear in one of Ali's gloves, forcing a welcome delay while a new pair were sought. Ali then went out and beat Cooper on a cuts stoppage in the very next round.
Dundee, whose wife died in 2010, is survived by a son and daughter, six grandchildren and a great grandchild.
