Atlas by Peter Alson, Peter Kaminsky, Teddy Atlas (2006, Hardcover)

I've been a fan of Teddy Atlas' for years, having enjoyed his commentary on ESPN 2. I could tell he knew a lot about the sport, of course. But I also could see that boxers really respected him. This book explains why. Teddy came up the hard way despite the trappings of a comfortable middle-class life. His dad was a doctor, but Teddy was his own man. This book recounts the many scrapes he got into (including jail time at Rikers), his brief career as a boxer, and the stories behind the boxers he trained. There are many shocking moments here, including the time Teddy held a gun to Mike Tyson's head. (You read that right.) This is a book I'll always keep at hand, and re-read now and again for the sheer inspiration of it.

As a boxing fan, I have enjoyed Teddy's analysis on ESPN for some time. Unlike the typical TV personality, all propped up with the right look, the right words, etc., Teddy is obviously just himself. He is a sincere lover of the sport, an expert, and one who likes to share his enthusiasm through explanation.

I often see the ring as a metaphor for life, where great passion are character is displayed. Teddy discusses the game from that vantage point, talks about dedication, discipline, personal honesty, manhood.

Teddy has become one of my heroes.

I am a huge boxing fan and have always had the utmost respect for Teddy Atlas Jr as both a trainer and color analyst. This book takes the reader on the journey of his life, starting as a tough kid on the streets of New York, through his early days as a trainer underneath the legendary Cus D'amato, and his triumphant heavyweight title victory with Michael Moorer. I cracked it open the day it arrived in the mail, and read it in one sitting. A great book, particularly for boxing enthusiasts.

Great book!
Teddy Atlas is an inspiration.
The book is full of honesty and integrity.
I have read it twice and fully enjoyed it both times.