Update Why Did Angelo Dundee Change His Name?

Angelo adopted the last name Dundee after his older brother, Joe, fought professionally under the name Johnny Dundee. It was their way of paying tribute to a former featherweight champion with the same name. Angelo’s other brother, Chris, also adopted the Dundee last name.

This decision to honor the legendary Johnny Dundee wasn’t just a sentimental gesture. It was a smart move for the Dundee brothers. The original Johnny Dundee was a popular and successful fighter, and his name carried weight in the boxing world. By adopting the Dundee name, the brothers were essentially borrowing some of that prestige and recognition for themselves. It was a way to tap into a pre-existing fanbase and generate buzz around their own careers.

The original Johnny Dundee, whose real name was Edward Joseph “Kid” Dundee, was a Scottish-American fighter who held the featherweight championship in the early 1900s. He was known for his aggressive fighting style and his ability to draw crowds. His name became synonymous with boxing, and the Dundee brothers saw an opportunity to capitalize on that legacy.

The decision to adopt the Dundee name turned out to be a wise one. Angelo Dundee, in particular, went on to become one of the most successful trainers in boxing history, guiding the careers of legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and George Foreman. His legacy is as much a testament to his skills as a trainer as it is to the name he chose to carry, a name that was already synonymous with boxing greatness.