“He Gave Me More Than Money”: Teddy Atlas Reveals How Cus D’Amato Inspired Him to Be a Better Trainer

Money has not been the sole incentive for Teddy Atlas. In a recent interview, the 67-year-old recalls the moment Cus D’Amato, Mike Tyson‘s trainer, got him over at his gym to be a trainer. At the time, Atlas wanted to turn professional and be a boxer himself. However, D’Amato won him over by convincing him to become a trainer and Atlas remains grateful for the same.

But you might wonder, as to if not money, what would make Atlas agree to his request? In the interview, he answers it all, from his training experience and the incentive behind it. Find out all about it.

Teddy Atlas discovered his sense of purpose

While speaking to Lex Fridman, An American computer scientist and podcast host, Atlas reveals that D’Amato made him teach the ‘Sweet Science,’ to young students. At times even eight-year old ones. Moreover, he unveils that the majority of the time he was the one teaching the students and D’Amato would make an appearance only once a week. Yet, he was keen to teach, despite not compressing him financially, because he used to encourage him and give him a sense of purpose. Reflecting on the same, Atlas stated, “I could have made a lot of money with that. I was on my knees with these little kids- 9 years old, 10 years old, 8 years old. All these kids and I are teaching and Cus only comes once a week. He couldn’t give me money but he gave me more than money. He gave me praise. Look what he is doing— he is creating champions. I said wow. I’m doing good.”