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| I'D LIKE TO MEET DUNDEE AND ALI
Although I've been a boxing fan for nearly forty years I've only been involved in the media end since 1992. During those fifteen + years I've had the opportunity to meet several great boxers and trainers. I've met some of my favorites like Roberto Duran, Ray Mancini, Harry Arroyo, Alexis Arguello, Ruben Olivares, etc...I've also had the pleasure of meeting trainers I had the utmost respect for. Men like Eddie Futch, Kenny Weldon, and others. If I was able to meet two boxing notables right now, my choices would be easy. I would like to shake hands and talk to Muhammad Ali and Angelo Dundee. Why ? Well when I first started following boxing Cassius Clay was taking the sport by storm. Like many fans at that time I did not care for Clay. He was a loud mouth braggart who I wanted to see stretched out on the canvas. When he upset Sonny Liston he woke up the boxing world. In looking backClay/Ali changed the face of boxing. He brought attention to a sport which was quite dormant at the time he emerged. His stand on the Vietnam war brought mixed fan emotion. When he met Joe Frazier in the 1971 epic " Fight Of The Century ", I prayed that Joe would beat him. I won a nice chunk of change when Joe took a hard fought but well earned decision. It was Ali's first defeat but he stayed active and kept boxing interesting. When he upset George Foreman in 1974 his legend was signed and sealed. Over the years Ali has mellowed. His courageous battle with Parkinsons disease has been well documented. Today Ali is a hero and an icon. He was to boxing what the Beatles were to music. Was he the greatest fighter ever ? That is debateable. He was the sports greatest showman and for this as a fan I will be forever grateful. In his career Clay/Ali was guided by Angelo Dundee. Mr. Dundee was well respected in boxing before he started his association with Muhammad. He had worked with Carmen Basilio, Luis Rodriguez, Willie Pastrano and countlees others. When Dundee hooked up with Ali he was center stage. Angelo was along for the Ali road show. It must have been one great ride. Dundee had become and still is a high profile man in the corner. I have three sons who were all gifted athletes. They all like boxing. I always thought to myself, if any of my boys take up boxing seriously, I would try my best to get Mr. Dundee to guide their career. Why ? Well to paraphrase Angelo he was " my guy ". He was a great analyst of opposing styles. He was a motivator in the corner. He was loyal and compassionate. I really felt he would have my son's best interest at heart. I'll never forget the care and compassion he showed the night an aged Ali was being drubbed by the talented Larry Holmes. When Ali came back to his corner after the tenth round a weary and beaten man, Angelo had seen enough. He knew the gallant Ali would never quit. Dundee took matters into his own hands. Despite the protests of other people in Ali's corner, Angelo took control. I'll never forget a livid Dundee screaming to his corner and referee Richard Green " F--- you, F--- you. I'm the chief second. I stop the fight ". Repotedly Ali glanced up at Angelo and said " thank you ". That was a class act by Angelo. It put me in mind of the class Eddie Futch showed when he would not allow the game Joe Frazier to come out for the last round against Ali in the classic " Thrilla In Manila ". Hopefully one day I'll be able to meet these to great men. I must also say there is one other I would like to meet. That would be Cleveland heavyweight great Jimmy Bivins. What an honor it would be for me...
Jim Amato |
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