Cus D'Amato

Constantine 'Cus' D'Amato was an American boxing manager, promoter, and trainer who handled the careers of notable boxers, including Mike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, and José Torres. He was a proponent of the peek-a-boo style of boxing, which involved holding gloves close to the cheeks and pulling arms tight against the torso. D'Amato's training methods and philosophy had a significant impact on his fighters, particularly Mike Tyson, who credited him with teaching him the importance of self-talk and mental preparation. Tyson has often spoken about the influence D'Amato had on his career, saying that he 'taught me that my mind was bigger than the universe.' D'Amato's legacy continues to be celebrated, with Mike Tyson returning to Catskill, New York, to honor him on several occasions. The Cus D'Amato Award, named after him, is conferred annually by the Boxing Writers Association of America to recognize the best manager in boxing. D'Amato's life and career have been the subject of various articles and publications, with some portraying him as a saint and others highlighting his complexities. As a trainer, D'Amato was known for his ability to bring out the best in his fighters, and his influence can still be seen in the sport today.

"He taught me that my mind was bigger than the universe." — Mike Tyson

Cus D'Amato's impact on boxing and his fighters extends beyond his training methods and philosophy. He was a key figure in the sport, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by boxers and fans alike. The Cus D'Amato Award, which recognizes the best manager in boxing, is a testament to his enduring influence. Mike Tyson's return to Catskill, New York, to honor D'Amato on several occasions highlights the significance of their relationship and the impact D'Amato had on Tyson's career. D'Amato's life and career have been the subject of various articles and publications, with some portraying him as a saint and others highlighting his complexities. As a trainer, D'Amato was known for his ability to bring out the best in his fighters, and his influence can still be seen in the sport today.

"Cus D'Amato, famed coach of Mike Tyson, was portrayed as a saint. He was far from it." — Dave Hannigan