Aaron Pryor, Supernova

Aaron Pryor was more than a star he was a man whose career is eerily reminiscent of a supernova, that great cosmic event where for a few moments in time an explosion in a galaxy outshines everything around it until fading away.

Emanuel Steward, RIP

Where does one even start when trying to discuss the impact Emanuel Steward has had on boxing? There's many points to choose from. But I think one of the best aspects of Steward was that he always remained humble. He could never understand why some people he'd run into would be shocked he was just a normal guy, sharing similar interests to the many fight fans who revered him with almost saint link respect.

Goodbye Goody

In the recent unfortunate number of deaths, in both the boxing and reggae world, that seemed to fall in such quick succession we made a terrible error in neglecting to cover the passing of another one of boxing’s characters: Guerino “Goody” Petronelli. The picture we’ve included above is from April 15th, 1985. It was one of the greatest nights in boxing history, the kind of night and atmosphere only a big fight can provide. Under the lights of Caesars in Vegas Petronelli’s charge, Marvin Hagler, triumphed over another all time great in Thomas Hearns. The fight went to be known as “The War”, and you can find a link here on the blog. Goody is on the far right with his brother Pat on the far left and Marvin in the middle. Goody was by all accounts a man of few words, always quick to get to the point and cut out the bullshit. Growing up with many men like that, we feel a bit of a kinship. From the photo though you can feel an understated joy at his boy making it to the top of the game, juxtaposed by his brother Pat’s raw excitement. It’s a beautiful moment caught in time. Although this moment was most certainly the height of Goody’s career he never stopped with the sport he loved until a landlord dispute a year prior to his death forced him out of the gym. It’s safe to say he probably would have kept going ‘til death kept him from coming anymore. Rest in peace, Goody.

Angelo Dundee RIP

Sometimes we might use the phrase “they don’t make ‘em like this anymore”. Well we’re going to go ahead and risk over doing it because yesterday the world lost a legendary figure: Angelo Dundee. You’ve no doubt heard of him, as although he was a boxing trainer his sheer skill as a cornerman and vast knowledge of the sweet science propelled him to a place in pop culture alongside the many fighters whom he helped reached the top. This is a cat who trained over 15 World Champions over the course of a career spanning 4 decades. His list of fighters reads like a goddamned hall of fame! Carmen Basilio, Luis Rodriguez, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, George Foreman (during his comeback) and last but certainly not least Muhammad Ali. Of course Angelo’s alma matter, Stillman’s Gym in Miami, Florida, did a lot to shape the man. Learning from guys like Charlie Goldman could only serve to help you become one of the best. The things that really stand out though is Dundee’s humility throughout it all. He was always willing to help out new boxing writers looking for a story, often times sharing his phone number and a guarantee that if they needed anything he would be glad to help. How many “celebrities” nowadays are going to do that? Dundee was one of a kind. He somehow managed to reach the stars while keeping both feet firmly planted in the ground. Rest in peace, Angelo.

RIP Cus D'Amato

Another boxing legend was born on this day in 1908, Cus D’Amato. Cus trained Floyd Patterson, Mike Tyson (pictured above), Jose Torres and a host of others. He also taught many other important trainers how to do their job, most notably Teddy Atlas. Great men like Cus don’t come around too often anymore. He took Tyson in after his mothers death and was instrumental in teaching “Iron” Mike the fundamentals which would take him to a World Title at the age of 20, the youngest ever World Heavyweight titleholder. Unfortunately Cus wasn’t there to witness what would have undoubtedly been the proudest moment of his storied career as he passed away just over a year before Tyson won the title. Hopefully he receives some of the attention due to him on this day. Rest in peace Cus.