“I don’t know if he was ever great,” Mike Tyson’s legacy as an all-time great questioned by Teddy Atlas

Mike Tyson is one of the best-known personalities in the sports world. His aura is larger than life and goes beyond just the ring in which he used to fight. However, Teddy Atlas contradicts the mindset of most sports fans and even questions the former heavyweight champ’s legacy.

The two had formerly been part of the same team. The hall of fame trainer helped sharpen the skills of a young Mike Tyson. Teddy Atlas assisted the renowned trainer Cus D’Amato in the teenage years of Mike Tyson. The phrase “How the days change” fits perfectly here as Teddy himself questions the greatness of Mike Tyson by saying:

I don’t know if he was ever great. I know he was sensational. I know he was the greatest mix of maybe speed and power ever. I know he was one of the greatest punchers from either side of the plate, left or right.

Teddy Atlas via Lex Fridman

Teddy and Mike had a serious altercation a long time ago and they both seem to have bad blood against each other. Teddy accused Mike Tyson of exploiting his 11-year-old relative. The matter got so serious that Teddy held a handgun to Tyson’s ear and threatened to kill him. The trainer was then removed from the camp after this incident.

Many believe that Teddy held a personal vendetta against Tyson after the altercation. Hence even decades later he goes against the fan-favorite and puts a question mark on Mike Tyson’s legacy. However, Teddy’s opinions have value as he is considered one of the greatest trainers for a reason.

Many Tyson haters stand by Teddy’s statement, however the majority backs up the youngest heavyweight champion. We as onlookers can only presume who is right and who is wrong and thus it is up to you to choose your side!

Mike Tyson’s relationship with trainer Cus D’Amato

The bond that the legendary trainer and world-renowned boxer share is one straight out of the movies. Cus looked at Mike as the reason he lived, Mike was not only his student but occupied a part of his heart that no one could replace. Cus not only trained him but also adopted him after the latter’s mother passed away. He saw greatness in Mike and guided the young prodigy on the road to success.

Mike too loved Cus. In many public appearances, Mike always mentioned how big of an impact Cus had on his life. Mike credited Cus for improving him not only as a boxer but as a human. Cus taught Mike the fighting style of pee-ka-boo. This style of fighting became one of the characteristics that Mike was known for all over the globe.

Even when Mike is questioned about Cus now he gets teary-eyed and claims that if it was not for the late trainer, he wouldn’t be where he is. Mike under Cus was an unstoppable force. This bond shows that love and loyalty are not built upon blood relations but the attachment of souls.

In case you missed it:

• Mike Tyson’s former trainer recalls the life changing advise he received from LEGENDARY Cus D’Amato
• Watch: Streamer Ice Poseidon spots Mike Tyson in middle of the Caribbean only to get completely ignored by the boxing legend

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