Fighters are regarded as some of the most outstanding athletes in any sport on the planet. After grueling fight camps, fighters employ both physical abilities and mental fortitude to make it to the fighting stage. However, once they are in there and face an adversary, a few words of encouragement from the cornermen can be extremely beneficial. According to UFC legend, Quinton Jackson, that is exactly what Cus D’Amato did to Mike Tyson , and others should learn from it.
Quinton Jackson recently sat down with other UFC veterans, Luke Rockhold and TJ Dillashaw, and talked about the importance of corner teams. Jackson gave the example of the iconic duo of Mike Tyson and Cus D’Amato and revealed how it affects fighters.
The stuff that Cus D'Amato used to tell him in his ear and that's the stuff that made Mike Tyson a part of who he is. It's all about what you tell your fighters. He was telling him in his ear, you are the best, can't nobody f*** with you….You just tell him all positive stuff. Man, we eat it up. Quinton Jackson via JAXXON Podcast
Cus D’Amato was more than simply a trainer for Mike Tyson. He was also a mentor, father figure, and guiding light in Tyson’s turbulent life. D’Amato recognized Tyson’s promise and developed it, instilling discipline, technique, and confidence in the young boxer. Over time, it helped transform Tyson into the formidable champion he became at the age of 20.
Unfortunately, D’Amato died in 1985 which was a year before Tyson became the heavyweight champion. He never got to see his student become the best in the world. After D’Amato’s death, Tyson was never the same and had a lot of troubles in his life outside of the ring.
Mike Tyson couldn’t control his tears while remembering Cus D’Amato
Mike Tyson in the 90s was on top of the world and was celebrated everywhere. Fight fans have seen Mike Tyson changing from an angry and troubled individual to a calm and knowledgeable veteran over the years. While he was a juggernaut inside the squared circle, he did face several downfalls both inside and outside the ring. From imprisonment to the death of his child, Tyson had to face a lot but he never forgot what D’Amato taught him.
During an interview with Patrick Bet-David, Tyson was asked about D’Amato and what was his importance in Tyson’s life. While trying to respond to the question, the legendary boxer got extremely emotional.
S**t, don’t make me cry. Why are you asking me that question? s**t. I would say…I would say – ‘They call me the greatest. Mike Tyson via Valuentertainment YouTube
In the last few years, Mike Tyson has been in the boxing headlines despite years after retirement. He even coached UFC heavyweight, Francis Ngannou to almost beat the heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury . Other than that, Tyson is currently looking forward to his boxing return against Jake Paul in a few months.
