Training the Greatest: The Story of Ali and Dundee

Muhammad Ali beat George Foreman for the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World, he fought Joe Frazier three times, and he had certainly--according to popular opinion--proved that he was 'The Greatest'. Angelo Dundee knew Ali was nearing the end of his career, but felt it was not his place to tell him when to stop. He knew that Ali wanted to stay relevant and stay in the spotlight. Dundee was simply not sure how much longer he would be able to. Regardless, they were still having fun together, travelling the world and continuing their antics.

Muhammad Ali would lose his title one more time to a young, newly professional boxer named Leon Spinks. He would then, of course, regain it from Spinks for an unprecedented third title. Ali retired the morning after his rematch against Spinks. 

From, My View from the Corner:

'"The Ali Years,' as my bride Helen called them, had finally come to an end. We had traveled many roads together on Ali's magic carpet, faraway places like Zaire, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Munich, San Juan, New York, and New Orleans. I was always in his corner, sometimes cajoling, sometimes suggesting, and sometimes demanding things from him in both hard and easy fights. And it had always been a gas just being around him. These were some of the best days of my life, exciting times that would provide memories I would cherish forever. But now it was time for me to close the book on the Ali chapter and get on with my life."

However, Ali came out of retirement in 1980 to fight his former sparring partner, Larry Holmes. Dundee stopped the match after the tenth round, a decision he stated broke his own heart to do--as he never had to do it before. Ali would fight a final time in 1981 against Trevor Berbick, losing by decision in favor of his opponent. It was the end of an era.