graydongordian: Angelo Dundee, Hall of Fame cornerman for the great Muhammad Ali, died earlier today. Although it’s certain that, had he not worked with talents such as Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Carmen Basilio, he wouldn’t be as highly regarded, his skill and cleverness as a trainer deserve the utmost appreciation. Personally, I’ve always loved the legend that, prior to the Rumble in the Jungle, Dundee calmly and quietly walked around the ring, loosening the ropes with a set of tools so that Ali could more effectively execute his “rope-a-dope” strategy. Although Dundee always denied having done so, Norman Mailer, who was a member of the press corps at the fight, describes Dundee doing so firsthand in his book The Fight.

graydongordian:

Angelo Dundee, Hall of Fame cornerman for the great Muhammad Ali, died earlier today. Although it’s certain that, had he not worked with talents such as Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Carmen Basilio, he wouldn’t be as highly regarded, his skill and cleverness as a trainer deserve the utmost appreciation.

Personally, I’ve always loved the legend that, prior to the Rumble in the Jungle, Dundee calmly and quietly walked around the ring, loosening the ropes with a set of tools so that Ali could more effectively execute his “rope-a-dope” strategy. Although Dundee always denied having done so, Norman Mailer, who was a member of the press corps at the fight, describes Dundee doing so firsthand in his book The Fight.

(via gotemcoach)