Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, remains an indelible figure in the tapestry of boxing history. His ferocious exploits inside the ring are rivaled only by the tumultuous episodes that unfolded beyond it, weaving a legacy as complex as it is iconic. Among the myriad individuals intertwined with Tyson’s storied past, the esteemed trainer Teddy Atlas occupies a particularly significant place.

In a recent interview, Atlas delved into the annals of their shared history, offering a striking revelation that casts a new and dramatic light on the enigmatic journey of the boxing legend. It’s no news to many in the community that Tyson’s journey into boxing began in the 1980s when he was just a teenager. 

Cus D’Amato, the legendary boxing trainer, took Tyson under his wing when he was living in the Tryon School for Boys, a juvenile detention center in upstate New York. This is when D’Amato’s protege, Teddy Atlas, met Tyson for the first time. Immediately, they started working together, and the duo went on to win two junior Olympic gold medals.

Atlas was, of course, doing an excellent job of being Tyson’s trainer and disciplinarian. However, their relationship came to an abrupt end in 1982. Tyson, then 15, reportedly made some inappropriate advances toward a young female in Atlas’ family, which sent Atlas over the edge. Understandably furious about the ordeal, he confronted Tyson with a g*n. 

Atlas reportedly put a g*n on Tyson’s head and warned him about staying away from his relative. This left irreparable damage to their relationship, as Atlas left D’Amato’s camp while Tyson continued his training under D’Amato. Fast forward to yesterday, GB News quoted Atlas confessing to CanadaCasino.ca that he doesn’t like being associated with Tyson. 

“I don’t like [always being linked to Mike Tyson], I don’t like it,” he said. “I get it, I get the benefits of it, I understand, I trained him for some three and a half to four years, whatever it was, I don’t even know. I helped form him from when he was 12 years old till he was like 15, right? And maybe a little over.”

“I don’t even know exactly, but close to 16, he won two national titles in the Junior Olympics. I had him during his formative years, I taught him from the first day all the basics that he needed and that he carried through to later parts of his career,” he added. “I was there for that, and we went through things together, and we went through that journey together.”

“And I appreciate people that do remember that. And it has in many ways given me a certain amount of exposure.” Atlas revealed that he didn’t like people saying, “He was Tyson’s first trainer. He was the one who taught him at the beginning.” He also revealed, “I resented it, too.” Despite being involved with several world champions, Atlas refused to tie his own name with Tyson.

“I got to be honest. I have been involved with many fighters… But I wasn’t there. I didn’t make Tyson the heavyweight champ of the world. I didn’t do that,” Atlas said. Turning to Tyson’s last fight against Jake Paul, Atlas didn’t seem to be that big of a fan of that either. “Tyson just ain’t that guy that wants to hurt someone,” he said during the interview. “He ain’t that guy who’s willing to go through fire to get to somebody, that ain’t him anymore.”

Tyson, of course, lost his fight against Jake Paul, where the legendary boxer looked like a mere shell of his former self. And Atlas saw that! “He might still have power, but the power only is relevant if he wants to use it,” Atlas said. “He ain’t a guy who’s ready to use it. He ain’t a guy who’s willing to do that… It’s over, done.”

Speaking of Jake Paul and Mike Tyson—the duo seems to have become best friends since their fight in November. 

Jake Paul lifts Mike Tyson on his shoulders during Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony

Jake Paul stole the spotlight at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony as the 47th President of the United States on January 21st. The YouTuber-turned-boxer shared a video from the White House event, where he was seen lifting boxing legend Mike Tyson on his shoulders while wearing a tuxedo.

Paul shared the clip on X with the caption, reading, “Best friends @miketyson.” And it didn’t take long for the clip to go viral on the platform—which is run by Elon Musk—another big Trump supporter. Trump’s inauguration drew a star-studded crowd from the sports world, including UFC President Dana White, Conor McGregor, Logan Paul, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

That said, it appears even though years have passed since Teddy Atlas put a g*n on Mike Tyson’s head, Atlas hasn’t recovered from the scars it has left behind. What do you think about Atlas’ statements?