He is the legendary boxing promoter who worked with some of the sport’s biggest names and christened Muhammad Ali ‘The Greatest’.
‘Dandy Don’ Fraser was a master publicist who was responsible for promoting many fights including the 1973 rematch between Ali and Ken Norton.
During his career he also promoted bouts featuring Hall of Famers Sugar Ray Robinson, Ruben Olivares, George Foreman, Jose Napoles, Salvador Sanchez, Carlos Zarate, Bobby Chacon and Danny “Little Red” Lopez.
But few people are aware that ‘Dandy Don’ is a son of Angus.
His father Ernest was from Arbroath and he is part of the famous Fraser family and is “very proud” of his Scottish roots.
Douglas Fraser and Sons from Arbroath was established in the early 1830s before expanding their business into Argentina where they produced jute-soled shoes called Alpargatas.
After initial struggles, the business in Argentina took off and spawned sister companies in Uruguay and Brazil and it became a vast enterprise.
Don is a grandson of Douglas Fraser II, a son of the Douglas who founded the Arbroath business.
His father, Ernest Fraser, left Angus and, having worked in India and married a lady with a British Army background, settled in Los Angeles after the First World War where Don was born in 1927.
Simon Fraser, whose grandfather Norman was Douglas Fraser’s youngest son, said: “The enthusiasm of his daughters, plus their invitation to attend their father’s 90th party, was the catalyst for my recent month-long trip to California.
“At the party, there were lots of people from the world of boxing, and various tributes were paid to Don.
“Most memorably, it was remembered that it was he who had given Muhammed Ali, then Clay, the soubriquet of ‘The Greatest’.
“Don pinned a notice, with this title, to Clay’s chest at a function, and Clay took to it – in a big way.
“I’m quite certain this astounding story is unknown in Arbroath – it ranks with Buick of General Motors.”
Don was part of the golden era of boxing at the Olympic Auditorium, the Fabulous Forum, the Hollywood Legion Stadium and more.
“Ali’s Revenge – The Battle of the Broken Jaw” rematch between Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton was just one of his promotions.
The fight set a box-office record.
Don was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.
He lives in California with his daughter Denise.
Denise said: “I can confirm that this is all true.
“It was a joy to spend time with Simon and it was most incredible that he was able to attend my dad’s 90th birthday party.”
Dandy Don said: “I’m very proud of my Scottish roots.”
