Al Silvani (April 26, 1910 – January 10, 1996) was an American boxing trainer and actor.
As one of the most sought-after trainers in the business, Silvani trained over twenty world champions, including Jake LaMotta, Henry Armstrong, Carmen Basilio, Fritzie Zivic, Pone Kingpetch, Rocky Graziano, Ingemar Johansson, and Lou Ambers.
He also had a lengthy career in the film industry as an actor, stunt man, and as a technical advisor—most noteworthy a lead role in Robin and the Seven Hoods. He also appeared in From Here to Eternity, Ocean's 11, Stir Crazy, Every Which Way But Loose, The Gauntlet, Rocky, Rocky II and Rocky III.
He was a close personal friend of Frank Sinatra and hung out with Sinatra's Rat Pack.
Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
2006 California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee.
Fighters trained
Cisco Andrade Alexis Argüello Billy Backus Nino Benvenuti (Late in his Career 1968–71) Tom Bogs Mustafa Hamsho (For second Hagler fight) Eddie Machen Tami Mauriello Buster Mathis Floyd Patterson (Later in his Career) Al Tribuani Cleveland Williams Robert De Niro (for his role in Raging Bull)
Death Silvani died in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles in 1996.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1953 From Here to Eternity Soldier Leaving New Congress Club Uncredited1956 Somebody Up There Likes Me Rocky's Second Uncredited1958 Tempestade Pope Gerasim 1959 Al Capone Waiter Uncredited1959 The Gene Krupa Story Man Rubbing Krupa's Shoulders Uncredited1960 Ocean's 11 Burlesque Club Manager Uncredited1960 Let No Man Write My Epitaph Bit Role Uncredited1961 The Young Savages Dention Center Guard Uncredited1962 Kid Galahad Training Camp Spectator Uncredited1963 Come Blow Your Horn Bell-Hop Uncredited1964 Robin and the 7 Hoods Robbo's Hood #4 1965 Von Ryan's Express American P.O.W. at Train Station Uncredited1965 Marriage on the Rocks Mexican Character Uncredited1972 Fat City Referee at Tully-Lucero Fight Uncredited1973 The All-American Boy Referee Uncredited1975 The Black Bird Bartender 1976 Rocky Cut Man 1977 Bobby Deerfield Mechanic 1977 The Gauntlet Police Sergeant 1978 Every Which Way But Loose Tank Murdock's Manager 1979 Rocky II Cutman 1980 Stir Crazy Inmate Uncredited1982 Rocky III Al
References
The Ring magazine, Corner Men: Great Boxing Trainers - Ronald K. Fried
External links