Angelo Dundee trained 15 world champions including Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard – but their power didn’t compare to Florentino Fernandez.
Dundee is one of boxing’s most legendary cornermen, coaching the widely viewed greatest fighters of all-time including heavyweight icon Ali and pound-for-pound leading contender Leonard.
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Dundee was an integral part of the boxing GOAT’s career Ali – and also trained some unbelievable world champions
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Leonard also had his sensational rise largely under the guidance of DundeeCredit: Getty – Contributor
The late Dundee, who passed away in February 2012, had a talented stable of some of the biggest names even coaching the likes of Trevor Berbick and Pinklon Thomas.
He even helped steer the ship for George Foreman when he became the oldest heavyweight champion at the age of 45 in 1994, but didn’t feature as head trainer.
But surprisingly despite having all of this heavyweight pedigree within the walls of the Fifth Street Boxing Gym in Miami, it was a middleweight who caught his eye.
He explained during an interview with The Ring in 2012, while excluding Foreman: “I love boxers but I’ve trained some bangers in my time.
“(Former heavyweight titleholder) Pinklon Thomas could whack, but nobody could punch like Fernandez.
“He was the best puncher out of Cuba. He was a converted southpaw so his left hook was murder.
“He broke Gene Fullmer’s forearm with a left hook during their middleweight title fight.
“He could hurt anyone with any kind of punch no matter where it landed.”
It was an incredible compliment for the dangerous Cuban, who didn’t quite receive the silverware to match his frightening talents.
But the sheer fact he brushed shoulders with greats such as Ali and Leonard, shows quite how well regarded he was during his rise.
Who is Florentino Fernandez?
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Fernandez was a ferocious middleweight- but after a turbulent career narrowly missed out on world glory
Fernandez had an incredible stint in the sport, where he rose to prominence in the Caribbean during a golden era in the 60s.
The KO artist had a huge weapon, a crushing left hook which flattened a whole host of rivals on the domestic and fringe world level scene.
‘The knockout Barbarian’ as he became known on national soil, crushed his way to some big shows stateside.
As he became a feared name on US shores, by 1961 he earned his most high-profile bout, a clash with Gene Fullner.
It was heartache for Fernandez, who despite living well with the energetic and quick champion, he was beaten by split decision.
Ultimately it was a near miss, and for the Cuban it was his last chance at world glory.
Although going on to have a stellar career, it was a turbulent period outside of the ring, as things took a turn for the worse.
Boxing in Cuba was outlawed by Fidel Castro, and Fernandez’s career stalled.
He was able to escape the country and continue his career where he linked up with Dundee and fought on his brother Chris’ promoted shows.
It was here he developed a working partnership with Dundee, but the pair were never able to clinch a world title.
But his career entertained the masses, and although finishing on a losing note in 1972, his name left a mark on such a legendary gym.
Angelo Dundee’s stint with Ali and Leonard
Dundee was the man in the corner for the entirety of Ali’s career, missing just two fights in 1960 and 1971.
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Ali and Leonard are two legendary operators – two of the best in boxing historyCredit: Getty
The Philadelphia native was the voice behind Ali’s success, giving the world’s most gifted ever operator instructions throughout his stellar time in the paid ranks.
Dundee masterminded some of the greatest victories in boxing history, including Ali’s famous ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ win over George Foreman, who he later went on to train at the back end of his career.
He also cornered Leonard, who he saw as a smaller version of the legendary mover, and he too masterminded some of the American’s tremendous successes.
Dundee was an integral part of Leonard’s involvement with the ‘Four Kings’, steering the ship for his most famous nights against true greats Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler.
As a result, Ali and Leonard grew close due to their mutual partnership with inspirational figure Dundee.
It was a fruitful trio, and Dundee will always remain an integral part of boxing history.