Mike Tyson , one of the greatest names in world boxing , had his greatness questioned by his former trainer Teddy Atlas, who accused him of not having been tested in his career. The trainer trained the legendary heavyweight from ages 12 to 15, but parted ways with him after a fight in which the former fighter allegedly harassed a relative of his. During the fight, he even allegedly pointed a gun at 'Iron's' head.
With past grievances resolved, during an interview on The Lex Fridman podcast , Atlas said that Tyson was sensational, but not great. The trainer also stated that 'Iron' didn't face opponents worthy of his talent.
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“I don’t know if he was ever great. I know he was amazing. Perhaps the greatest mix of speed and power ever. I know he was one of the greatest boxers with both hands. Left or right. There have been great right-handed boxers like Earnie Shavers, Deontay Wilder and Max Baer. However, it has not been tested. It could have been that night against Michael Spinks when he dismantled him in 90 seconds. I think I saw a great fighter that night. I don’t think you can be great unless you have all the requirements to be great,” Atlas said.
Mike Tyson in boxing
Tyson, who was the youngest world heavyweight champion in history, at the age of 20 in 1986, won the WBA, WBC and IBF titles simultaneously and had a record of 50 victories, 44 of which were by knockout, six defeats and two fights without result.
He retired from boxing in 2005 after a series of defeats, but never abandoned training and even participated in some exhibition fights in recent years. He still doesn't have a date for a possible new appearance in the 'noble art', having been linked to fights against former rival Evander Holyfield and YouTubers Logan and Jake Paul.
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