“I’m Not Crying but…”: Former Trainer, Who Put Mike Tyson Under Gunpoint Once, Gives Bittersweet Response to Francis Ngannou for Keeping Him in the Dark

Veteran trainer Teddy Atlas seems unhappy. It appears that the way he has been dealt with by Team Ngannou, who called him out for their training needs, has piqued his emotions. Despite his sixty-seven years, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer Teddy Atlas remains busy. Over a career that started early in the 1980s, he managed the fortunes of several world champions and Hall of Famers. The latest issue incidentally brings up his name with a person with whom he shares a history going back many summers.

The latest hot topic catching the imagination of the boxing world is the October fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. As most would know, it’s a pro boxing debut for the Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist. The hype over the fight seems to have witnessed a new surge with the entry of Mike Tyson, who joins ‘The Predator’ to sharpen his skills.

A poignant Teddy Atlas narrates

It seems Ngannou’s team contacted Teddy Atlas before settling on Tyson. While remaining nonchalant about their selection, the veteran trainer seems displeased about the whole affair, primarily because, according to him, the information was held back from him, even when they apprised him of getting back to him.

In the latest episode of ‘THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas,’ he explained that apparently, Francis Ngannou’s team had approached him for training possibilities. He said that while he was confident about their ability to get trained, given his methods were slightly different from others, he sought a trial period to decide. Without any promises, he could check if they could proceed further.

He shared that Ngannou’s team checked with him about visiting Vegas. That way, he could spend a few days with them. However, the situation became a bit baffling to him when they told him that they would call him back to confirm the dates of his visit. From his side, Atlas had also clarified his expectations. However, on Friday, August 4, he received a piece of information from his son. Team Ngannou had roped in Mike Tyson.

Teddy Atlas further explained his discomfort. He congratulated the team on their choice. But he failed to understand why they would request that he visit Las Vegas. They could have been straightforward in their dealings with him. He said, “… but you obviously [you] made that deal with Tyson, and you’re asking me to go out to Vegas to do a trial. Why don’t you be upfront with me just… I’m not crying, but I mean, I guess what I’m saying is, can’t we be better as people?…“

Then he spoke about the need for virtues such as decency, honesty, and being forthright in dealing. He explained that putting a person through such situations creates confusion, which doesn’t bode well.

Back to where it started

In the past, Teddy Atlas has trained the likes of Timothy Bradley, Alexander Povetkin, and Michael Moorer. He now takes care of the Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdyk. However, a name often crops up in Teddy Atlas’ resume. It is that of the youngest Heavyweight champion in the sport’s history, Mike Tyson. The duo met at the famed stable of Cus’D’Amato. At the Catskill Boxing Gym, Atlas assisted D’Amato.

However, the relationship proved temporary, as D’Amato informed Atlas to leave because of his altercation with Mike Tyson. Reportedly, Tyson misbehaved with one of his nieces. As a result, Teddy Atlas threatened the future champion with a gun. By all accounts, it wasn’t until 2013 that the duo started talking to each other.

Read More: “Sign the Contract. You Big Stiff Idiot” – Tyson Fury Fighting Francis Ngannou Next? ‘The Gypsy King’ Sends a Message

Could the crossover fight between Fury and Ngannou pave the path for more such experiments in the division? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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