Teddy Atlas

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Theodore A. Atlas, Jr. (b. 29 July 1956, in Staten Island, New York) is a well-known boxing trainer and fight commentator.

Atlas had only one fight as an amateur at 139 lbs. but had to quit fighting due to sclorsis. He began his career as a trainer under the legendary Cus D'Amato, who trained Floyd Patterson and a young Mike Tyson. Atlas was one of the first to predict that Tyson's character flaws would prevent him from ever being a great champion. In 1982, When Tyson was 16 years old, Atlas threatened him with a gun after Tyson allegedly tried to molest Atlas's 11-year-old sister-in-law,^[1] consequently D'Amato kicked the 26 year old Atlas out of his place. Atlas told reporters that Michael Spinks would beat Tyson due to Tyson's fears, but Tyson scored a first round knockout over Spinks.

He enjoyed his greatest success as a head trainer with champions Barry McGuigan and Michael Moorer. He also drew criticism for what many considered to be overdramatic speeches in the ring corner, and some felt he did these antics to draw attention to himself rather than help his fighter. Atlas has denied this,^[2] stating that he did what he believed the fighter needed based on his understanding of the fighter.

In 1997, he founded the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation to honor the memory of his late father. The Foundation awards scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations.

Atlas worked as boxing commentator for NBC's coverage of the Olympic Games in Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004).

Atlas published his biography, Atlas: From the Streets to the Ring: A Son's Struggle to Become a Man in 2006. The book covers many different periods of Atlas's life, and compares his position as trainer to a role as a father.

Atlas currently serves as commentator on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights and Wednesday Night Fights.

Atlas is also a fan of the New York Jets, as seen on the broadcast of ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" the day before the Jets AFC Wild-Card playoff game against the rival New England Patriots, which was won by the Pats. He wore a Jets shirt on a part of the show.