Hey there I am writing some stuff about boxing, and would like to hear your opinion on Al Silvani. How good a trainer was he? In Denmark he trained Tom Bogs for a period. It was some seven fight including Monzon-Bogs. There are a lot of stories about him being incompetent. I suspect them to be urban legends, but are there som oldtimers, that can help me with some information about him (besides the obvious from Wikipedia). How was he percieved in his days?
He was part of my dad's team when he fought Olivares at the forum in 69. I don't know too much about him but my dad never had a bad word to say about him.
He has his own chapter in this tremendous book Author is Ronald K. Fried Corner Men: The Great Boxing Trainers
Thanks for the info, AlFrancis. SLAKKA, do you know what it says about him? How many trainers have a chapter?
In the mid '50s, Al trained me at the 5th St. Gym in Miami. He was terrific teaching balance, how to cut off the ring and get leverage on right hand, 'n a whole host of little things that improved me. He had a million stories about LaMotta. We became good friends.
I think Al Silvani's first prominent fighter was Tami Mauriello, whom i saw fight in MSG with Salvani in his corner..He loved Tami...
and Every Which Way But Loose, as Tank Murdock's manager. He trained both Stallone and Eastwood for their roles.