Atlas: From the Streets to the Ring: A Son's Struggle to Become a Man

by Teddy Atlas, Peter Alson

"Of all the people who have affected by my life and influence the choices I've made, none has been more important than my father." So begins the autobiography of legendary boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas, who grew from the rebellious son of a doctor to a man who embraces, and lives by, his father's values and code. In this gritty, spellbinding tale, Atlas recounts his fascinating life -- as a juvenile delinquent on the streets of Staten Island; as a boxer and Golden Gloves champion under the tutelage of famed trainer Cus D'Amato; as a companion to the dangerous, unpredictable Sammy "the Bull" Gravano, up until the day Gravano turned rat and brought down crime boss John Gotti; and as a trainer of champions and contenders, among them fourteen-year-old Mike Tyson and heavyweight Michael Moorer, whom he led to the crown with a win over Evander Holyfield. Equally engrossing are Teddy Atlas's accounts of training dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp for her successful comeback at age forty-two; his work with actor Willem Dafoe, preparing him for his role as a concentration camp boxer in the film Triumph of the Spirit ; his journey to Poland to choreograph the film's boxing scenes; and his own performance in movies such as Play It to the Bone . In sharing his stories, Atlas reveals the philosophy by which he lives. Like Teddy Atlas -- inimitable, tough, honest, and wise -- this book inspires. It is about so much more than boxing. It is a story of overcoming hardships, of compassion for those in need, of tremendous personal integrity, and of personal and professional triumph.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Autobiography, Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Leadership

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another ridiculously good boxing book. Teddy Atlas wasn’t a professional boxer himself but he had a tough tough youth and was under the aegis of the one and only Cus D’Amato who guided mike Tyson’s early career. Teddy was one of Tyson’s first ever trainers but that all changed when Tyson “touched up” one of Teddy’s wife’s younger sisters (aged 11) and in response teddy who was very young himself at the time put a gun to mike’s head and threatened to kill him. Teddy’s father was a respected doctor in the New York area and a huge influence in teddy’s own life. The opening line of the book is a one sentence eulogy in the memory of his father and the impact that his father had on his life. once when teddy had got into a fight and had a bar crack half his head open he rushed to his father’s A&E clinic but his father who had told teddy not to get involved with the wrong crowd made him wait his turn and was seen to after 3 hours had passed and he had lost a considerable amount of blood. He then stitched him up without using any local anaesthetic. Teddy would take the likes of Mike Tyson and other young boxers (Mike was 12 going on 32 when he first met him) into the Bronx to fight on certain nights and on one occasion had Mike signed up to fight against another fighter. As you may expect the fight ended in favour of young Mike but the punch that knocked out his opponent was hit so hard that people in the crowd heard a staccato of 4 clear and distinct sounds. 1 was the impact of the punch on the afro headed black opponent mike was facing. Second was the sound of his mouth guard flying out and hitting one of the walls of the relatively small hall where this amateur fight had taken place. Thirdly and incredibly was THE SOUND OF THE SWEAT AS IT LEFT THE AFRO HEADED POOR YOUTHS HEAD AND SQUELCHED AGAINST ONE OF THE BACK WALL. Yes you read that right … the punch was thrown so hard that the sweat rung off of the unfortunate man’s head and slammed against one of the side walls. The fourth sound was the sound of his body hitting the ground. Unbelievable.. Tyson was only about 15 at the time and his opponent was in his late 20s I believe. Teddy injured his back so took up training and after some relatively good professional boxers the book goes into his on off relationship with Michael Moorer. Moorer went on to defeat Evander Holyfield and become of the world heavyweight champions. If you look at the YouTube clips of Teddy Atlas working with Moorer in the corner between rounds of that fight with Holyfield you have a very interesting example of motivational speaking. Aggressive and to the point and not for everyone but it’s exactly what Moorer needed. He won the fight but eventually lost to a 44 year old George foreman to a punch that Teddy had been warning Moorer about for months leading up to the fight itself. I could go on recounting about another 30/40 interesting episodes and incidences in this extraordinary man’s life but will allow you to read the book itself. Highly recommended if you are a sports fan or not.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. I'm a boxing fan, having followed the sport pretty closely from roughly 2000 (when I started subscribing to HBO) to 2015 (when I cut the cord and found HBO's boxing coverage much reduced on its streaming service). In other words, I'm probably a better fit for this book than most, but I think it might appeal to everyone.

Atlas' life (so far) might not have changed the world, but it sure has been interesting. The book contains many, many compelling moments both relating to boxing and not. What he has to say about facing fear probably makes the book worth reading even for the non-fan.

I listened to the audio version, released in 2019 (I was surprised to see the book came out in 2006 - not sure why the massive time lag) and read by the author. Atlas is a terrible narrator. I was accustomed to his style from his work on ESPN's Friday Night Fights, but I think someone who's not familiar with him might struggle at first. Here's the thing though - Atlas isn't really narrating his book, he's reliving it. And from that perspective, he's superb. He laughs during the funny parts and gets choked up during the tough parts, and he was making me do the same. I can't imagine the print experience would be nearly as good.

[Kym Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find that Atlas is a guy that those who have never fought seem to gobble up his every word. I do not dislike Teddy but I find that he seems to celebrate himself a lot more than those who have employed him seem to.

I think this book is a worthwhile read and will help you to understand and appreciate the man some, but the book seems to avoid some fights and moments that one would prefer to read about while it goes into detail about incidents that are less than interesting to a fight fan. For example the training of Willem Defoe, sure this is a fun trivia point but I felt a bit too much was spent on this event.

In any case I do suggest fight and Teddy fans to read this book. I am glad I read it but I was not overly impressed with it and did not complete it with a feeling I gained any extra knowledge or insight from this book.

45 %

[Cody Lasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there may be a bit too much one-sidedness in the stories presented, there is a level of earnestness so respectable I found it easy to overlook any problems I might’ve had. What a phenomenal retelling of a magnificent life story from one of boxing’s most prominent non-fighter figures. Really, this is movie worthy.

Audiobook listeners are in for an added treat as ‘Teddy’ himself narrated his own words. As is so often found in self-narrated memoirs and autobiographies, the lack of skill as a narrator lends itself fantastically to the rawness of the words and messages. There’s just something intangible here that needs to be experienced to fully understand. It’s gripping. It’s genuine. It’s a level of sincerity that I would dare call transcendent.

Again, many may find issue with how these stories can come across as self-glorifying, one-dimensional, and hyperbolic. But I think that’s trying too hard to pick apart an otherwise captivating read. One that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end like I have only with some of my all time favourite sports memoirs.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even tough it is clear that Teddy Atlas isn't an easy person, we might actually need more people like him. His integrity and his character trait to stand up for what is right is truly inspiring. There is a lot to learn from this book about the mentality we all need in life, cause as Teddy points out, everyone is fighting a fight in their life, may it be in or outside the ring.
To top it all, this is a real easy read, full of chaotic and entertaining stories from a man who has seen it all and still remained his heart of gold.

[Brig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn this book was good.

At least one part of this book needs to be a film.

What an incredible life. What an interesting character study. What an awesome experience listening to Teddy read it himself.

[Bill reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book should be the Trials of Job. Teddy Atlas, the son of a cold and distant father and alcoholic mother, somehow survived to tell this tale. As a child he learned of his grandfather’s suicide by hanging and his five year=old brother died during heart surgery. What’s next, a meteor striking the family home? He quits school at seventeen and after a robbery winds up in Riker’s Island, one of the toughest prisons in New York. There are few living saints among us, and Ted meets one, a Franciscan brother who may have saved Atlas’s life. And then, a second miracle as Cus D’Amato, Floyd Patterson’s trainer, enters the picture. The Vince Lombardi of boxing changes Ted’s life forever. As he did for Mike Tyson years later, D’Amato convinces a judge to keep Atlas out of prison and in the process becoming a surrogate father figure. A slight detour occurs as Atlas returns to Staten Island and his old life of crime and street fights. After almost ending up back in prison, the kid finally wises up and gets back with Cus as a trainer in Catskill, NY. He transforms from student to teacher, mentoring fighters only a few years younger than he is. Most of them are troubled kids with horrific backgrounds, and atlas, like D’Amato is a natural leader. Tragedy seems to be Ted’s middle name as his beloved grandmother dies and we learn of his brothers’ mental illness. His world will change forever when he sees a twelve year-old Mike Tyson and D’Amato says that the kid will someday be the world heavyweight champion. The 200 pound boy punches like a man and I loved the stories of his early fights. Tyson’s behavior causes Atlas major problems and the trainer is forced to leave. He spends months helping a quadriplegic walk again. It is back to Staten Island to work as a trainer, away from D’Amato. Later, he works with fighters at Gleason’s Gym. While there, he is offered a job to train actor Willem Defoe to play a role as a boxer in a concentration camp during WWII. They work well together and this chapter provides some great anecdotes. Atlas then meets Sammy “the Bull” Gravano at the gym and they have several long, philosophical discussions. A year later, headlines in the New York press read, “Sammy the Rat” as the gangster turns informer. The chapter has the feel of an episode of “The Sopranos”. Hey Tony, what’s a matter for you? Atlas next adventure takes place in Biloxi, Mississippi as he encounters some good ‘ol boys uttering the “n” word at him and a couple of his black boxers, a big mistake on the part of the rednecks. Because Atlas was once a problem child, karma sends him an aspiring heavy weight champ named Michael Moorer who has the demeanor of a spoiled child. Somehow, Atlas is able to reach him. He uses a power of positive thinking approach on his protégé to prepare for a match with Evander Holyfield, the current world champ. I won’t give away the result, as it happened in 1994, even I didn’t remember. The funniest passage is when Atlas is describing his personal savior, Brother Tim McDonald sitting at a topless bar in Toronto watching the fight. I laughed and cried at the same time. And now from the sublime to the ridiculous, with the grill man, George Foreman as Moorer’s next opponent. George was 44 and at least 260 pounds for his comeback fight; an amazing chapter with a few of Atlas’ friends hanging out at a Las Vegas casino behaving badly. The politics of the business puts loyalties to the test in a place notorious for being unscrupulous. Don King is not the only villain here. The relationship between Atlas and Moorer is almost Shakespearean in scope. The men who had absent fathers, one emotionally and the other physically and share a common thread. It transcends race and is an all too human element which binds us all. Atlas continues as a trainer but he eventually burns out and becomes a TV commentator. His sets up a charity in his fathers name and tells the story of an insult comedian at a benefit who steps on the wrong toes. Think of Joe Pesci; “do I amuse you/” and you’ll get the picture. I loved this book. I needed a good laugh after trudging through a dry and humorless biography of Joseph Smith. Atlas was the perfect remedy.

[Alexander Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever. Atlas is one of the best coaches I've ever read. His analysis of human nature is unparalleled. You'll soon understand why he says "boxing is life, life is boxing." I took so many life lessons away from this.

Beyond the incredible training anecdotes, this book reads like a kung fu movie set in a gangster film. Some of the stories are also surprisingly hilarious.

The audiobook is fantastic as well. Atlas reading his own life story is equal parts mesmerizing, tear jerking, and gut busting.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does a man thats a cold hearted criminal decide to change his life around by teaching boxing to younger audiences in the city of New York? It's ironic how people don't change their ways when there young but decide to change later on in life when karma really hits them. Atlas, written by Teddy Atlas which is the main character and Peter Alson.It has so much struggle but motivational meanings behind everything and how it doesn't matter where you come from or your situations you can still accomplish your dreams if you work hard.
This memoir takes place in one the worst toxic families a person could have….when your dad doesn't care for you and a mother that is fed up with everything and starts to consume alcohol daily. His father is a doctor and once Teddy got punched in a fight, his father didn't want him to get painkillers, he wanted him to get all 198 stitches that he deserved. “Of all the people who have affected my life and influenced the choices I've made, none has been more important than my father.” Teddy's troublesome youth led him to his first arrest which was a robbery at a bar that him to Rikers Island, one of the most dangerous prisons in New York. In the prison, Teddy must know to defend himself and he see that crimes aren't worth it. Teddy starts to change his ways and begins to teach boxing for troubled youth like him. “Some of them came to the gym because they didn't have any fathers, or they came from rough situations.”(48) Teddy's world changes around when he meets 12 year old Mike Tyson and one of his partners that introduced him D’amto which says that this kid would be the best heavyweight champion you'll ever get to meet and train. Teddy is fascinated and inspired when he see that the 200 pound boy could punch like a full grown man at the age of only 12 and could box like a professional too. These characters go different routes eventually but they come back together later on when the championships takes place.
I would have to recommend this book to not only boxers but to people who need more motivation. People who look for inspiration and want to experience success. Like Teddy Atlas… he is tough, honest and wise which is why this book inspires me. It's a lot more than just boxing, it's a story about hard times and having the compassion to help those in need. Not only is it about being the best is that everyone is capable of being the best they can possibly be.

[Levas · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a recurring theme in books or memoirs of ex-fighters or ex-athletes, or trainers, etc. Importance of training one's mind. If there is fear, endurance, concentration involved in your activities - mind is the weapon. Body is important as well, but body training follows mind training and not the other way around. It is particularly easy to sit on a sofa with a book in your hands, read about all the mental toughness and regime that is described in these books. It is not easy to do that mental-physical training though. Easy to read and think, difficult to go and do. But going and doing is far more important as well.
This is the aftermath after Teddy Atlas' book. I did not quite like it fully. Especially that "always right, honest and knowing what's best" attitude. Well, he is right about all the situations most of the time, but that righteousness gives a slightly bitter taste on what would otherwise be an excellent book; excellent memoir of a great trainer who was (at least partly) responsible for Mike Tyson's career and who raised a bunch of other great kids, possibly great human beings and great boxers as well.

[without overthinking · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is always as many perspectives has there is involved in a moment or situaton.
With that said, you can agree or not with what Teddy Atlas narrate, believe or doubt but, I realy felt that at least, that was his true, that he was honest, authentic and lived those events like he told us in this book.

I´m not a boxe fan but I appreciate what I read about some moments and athletes, it made me research for some stars of this sport.

A troubled life, from having so little to anticipate millions, the broaden of horizons and the loss of naivety.
The moment that many of us go through of letting go of pride and convictions in the name of our family and future.
Some advices, personalities, ways of facing life and deal with others, things to avoid. Action, family, betrayals, disappoitments, absolutions, skim the bottom, ressurections, personal growth and reward, you can find all this in this book.

In the end , is by far more than a autobiography, it´s also a trip to the past throught lenses of a modality.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read about one of the most outspoken and influential trainers in boxing, about his ups and downs, his relations to various people and the one thing that he arguably values the most: loyalty. Truly an inspiring story. However exactly these interactions are the one reason why I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone. Most figures Teddy encounters have something to do with boxing. And while Mike Tyson is a name everyone is familiar with, Lou Duva or Marvin Hagler do not ring a bell if you're not a fan of the sweet science. In the book, sadly, not every person is explained in such a matter as Cus D'amato is, for example, so readers not familiar with boxing might be left stumbling in the dark.

[Gareth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Audiobook version. Read by Teddy Atlas in 2019 of autobiography written in 2006. Includes some discussion between some chapters reflecting on original tale with occasional update on a chapter. Includes his early life. family relationships, time with Cus, issues with Mike Tyson, his murderous intent episode towards Donny Lallonde, the rollercoaster ride training Michael Moorer and their special relationship, charitable foundation. Excellent book. Very interesting stories. Sheds light on lots of events giving a clear, searingly honest version of events. That Teddy tells the story in his own words makes it extra special

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy atlas seems to have been picked by god in order to fulfill his destiny son of a too busy dr Teddy took to the streets and got in trouble as a cry for attention and took the rap for a crime to keep his fried from going to jail. Loyalty and heart are what Teddy is all about. He does time in rikers island and holds his own. Starts boxing and wins the golden gloves Meets boxer Kevin Rooney who’s living with boxing guru cus D’Amato and winds up living there too in Catskills. But Teddy has back problems and cus more or less passes him the torch as a boxing trainer including Mike Tyson. But Teddys passsion is teaching kids and he becomes the father to them that he didn’t have

[Cruz Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! As a boxing coach myself, from time to time find myself getting frustrated with some of my students. Teddy showed me that it’s no different in the professional ranks but if you see something in someone sometimes you just have to trust your gut! Great read.

[David Nazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it ten years ago. It had such an effect, I bought it again and read it again recently. I have given this book away as gifts. It is not for everyone. But, there are some who need to read it. I was one of them.

[François Le Grand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely enjoyable read covering Teddy Atlas' life story and his stable of fighters. Beautifully written and full of behind-the-scene moments featuring Cus D'Amato, Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer and many other major boxing figures.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I can't say this is a book I'd pick up on my own, but it was an interesting book club selection and I enjoyed parts of it very much.

[James Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the my favorite boxing.

Check that, one of my favorite books I've ever read...period.

[Sameer Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the book

[Jake McAtee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearing the story behind the famous corner speech of the Holyfield fight is worth the price of admission. Listening to him tell his story in his own voice for the audiobook was fantastic.

[SB The Student · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ill be writing a more meaningful review shortly. I finished this in like 4 days. SO ADDICTIVE!

[Jeffrey Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great life story.

[Calum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy’s crazy and exciting life makes for a very entertaining read!

[Tommy Ardt Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Flaws, victories, and an authentic writing style.

[Jeremy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies I have read in a long time!

[Łukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loyalty Is your chance to have a fulfilled life. Loyalty is your chance to be a good father, good husband, and a good friend. If you are loyal people will want to be around you

[sam marcello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of a fighter, trainer, and great boxing mind, I loved every page..!!!!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm no boxing fan. When the big matches come along I'll get a little intrigued. Still, no great shakes for me. However, Teddy Atlas's book was recommended to me by a friend who is REALLY into boxing. The beauty of it the book was that one need not know much about the sport because Atlas is really writing a life-lessons kind of book. Sure seems like he has been through a lot, so the story is interesting. A roughneck as a youngster, he had a MD doctor dad who was so busy helping others that he never paid enough attention to Teddy. Even so, Teddy loved his dad and after making some early mistakes, he cleaned up his act and found a new life in boxing as a trainer.

When I was a teenager, Mike Tyson was all the rage (packaged in a lot of rage too). Teddy helped train Tyson early in Tyson's career, so it was interesting to read about some of the back stories there. Not so much a spoiler alert, by Tyson wasn't really a decent guy. Also, reading about Michael Moorer, George Foreman, and a few other names I have heard of was interesting.

Teddy seems like a decent guy. Also very angry. Probably not wise to end up on his bad side. He needs to give people a little more slack. At the very least, he can lay off a little of the "I'm better than everyone else I have come in contact with." It's hard to buy how serious he takes personal morals when he hung out with murderers like Sammy the Bull. But he's still a great guy with an interesting story to tell, and he does so in an extremely easy to read format. Not bad for a sport I don't really care about.

[Jason Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of boxing should know who Teddy Atlas is. Even if you don't recognize his face or know much about his career, you should know his voice. His thick New York-accent can be heard during "Friday Night Fights" and other ESPN boxing telecasts. At once both thuggish and wise, Teddy comes off as a boxing Yoda from the Bronx, a man who has an uncanny ability to look not only at a fighter's technique but into his heart, diagnosing whatever hang ups he might have that are obstacles to victory.

His bio reads much the way he talks. It's simple, at times crude, but direct and to the point, something that has made Teddy a sought after commodity in the boxing world. He chronicles a rough and tumble youth that likely would have led to prison or death were it not for discovering boxing; he provides insight into personal mentor and great boxing trainer Cus D'mato and a tumultous young fighter named Mike Tyson; and he provides insight into other boxing characters and luminaries that fans and non-fans alike should find interesting, entertaining, and surprising.

The ending comes quick, sequing directly from his training of former heavyweight champ Michael Moore to the present, working with his foundation and co-hosting Friday Night Fights. I thought there were missing details here that might have been illuminating, namely why he left training for a more peripheral role in boxing. While he addresses this, it is only briefly and I would have liked a little more.

Other than that, a quick read and an enjoyable one, especially for boxing and sports fans.