Ali's trainer Dundee dies
Angelo Dundee, who trained Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, has died at the age of 90.
The famous American trainer, one of the most recognisable figures in boxing and rated as one of the best trainers in the history of the sport, died in Tampa, Florida.
Early reports said relatives and friends were with him when he died peacefully.
Dundee was admitted to hospital after suffering a blood clot two weeks ago. He was then transferred to a rehabilitation centre, where he died.
His son Jim said on Wednesday Dundee had been planning to travel to to Las Vegas soon.
During a remarkable career that spanned more than 60 years at the top, Dundee trained at least 15 world champions, including Ali, Leonard, George Foreman, Willie Pastrano, Jose Napoles and Carmen Basilio.
"He saved Ray Leonard in the Hearns fight. He saved Ali (against Joe Frazier) in Manila," longstanding promoter Bob Arum told Reuters.
"To motivate (a fighter) takes a special skill and there aren't many people that can do it. In the more than 45 years I've been in boxing, he was the greatest cornerman by far I ever witnessed."
Dundee's work spanned six decades and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, cementing his legacy as an invaluable asset to some of the most decorated boxers of all time.
"Ali was this unbelievable figure, and a guy who symbolised an entire era of American culture and was idolised around the world," Arum said. "And through all those times, the person at his side was Dundee. For that, he will always be remembered."
YOU'RE BLOWING IT, SON!
Dundee, inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994 for his contribution to the sport, recently attended Ali’s 70th birthday celebrations.
One of the more indelible memories of Dundee's career came in 1981 when he loudly exhorted Leonard in the late stages of a championship fight against Thomas Hearns.
He told the fighter, "You're blowing it, son," and Leonard came back out to register a thrilling knockout after having been dominated in preceding rounds.
Last year, Dundee also attended the opening of the new 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach, near the gym where he worked with some of the best boxers of his era.
His brother Chris has also been honoured by the Hall of Fame for his work as a promoter.