Lex Fridman Podcast #406 – Teddy Atlas: Mike Tyson, Cus D’Amato, Boxing, Loyalty, Fear & Greatness
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Dec 24, 2023 Teddy Atlas, a legendary boxing trainer to 18 world champions and ESPN commentator, dives deep into the gritty world of boxing. He shares compelling stories about mentoring Mike Tyson and the influence of Cus D’Amato on their lives. The conversation touches on themes like loyalty, betrayal, and the emotional journeys that define greatness in the sport. Atlas emphasizes the role of mentorship, resilience, and the importance of actions over words, offering profound insights on personal growth and the complexities of relationships shaped by the fight.
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Scar Story
- Teddy Atlas was a troubled youth involved in street fights and robberies, seeking his father's attention.
- A fight led to him getting slashed across the face, a near-death experience where he oddly felt calm amidst the chaos.
Regret as Solitary Confinement
- Fear can be paralyzing, but Atlas learned that living with regret is worse than facing immediate danger.
- He chose to stand his ground in the fight rather than run, prioritizing his reputation and self-respect.
Ambulance Ride
- After the slashing, Atlas's friend Billy cleverly called 911, claiming a cop was shot to ensure a quick ambulance arrival.
- In the ambulance, Atlas heard talk of him possibly dying but felt strangely calm, trusting his father's medical expertise.