Why Doesn’T Teddy Atlas Like Mike Tyson? The Complicated History

Teddy Atlas, a renowned boxing trainer, has expressed his view that Mike Tyson wasn’t a “great fighter” due to the lack of “resistance” and “pressure” in his fights. Atlas argues that Tyson’s opponents often didn’t present a true challenge, making his fights more like “exhibitions” than real contests. He uses the analogy of a fighter being “0-5” if they haven’t faced any real opposition.

Atlas’s perspective stems from his belief that true greatness in boxing is defined not just by victories, but by overcoming adversity and challenging opponents. He believes that Tyson’s lack of consistent challenges throughout his career diminished the true test of his skills. While Tyson’s raw power and aggressive style were undeniable, Atlas emphasizes that the absence of true “pressure” during his fights makes it difficult to categorize him as a “great fighter” in the traditional sense.

It’s important to note that this perspective is a personal one, and many other boxing experts and fans may disagree with Atlas’s assessment. There’s no denying that Tyson was a dominant force in the ring, but Atlas’s viewpoint highlights the importance of considering the overall context of a fighter’s career, including the quality of their opponents, when evaluating their true greatness.