Cus D’Amato was a legendary trainer who managed to change the landscape of the sport and gifted the world ‘the Baddest Man on the Planet’- Mike Tyson. When a fighter steps into the ring to fight it is only natural that they may feel a multitude of emotions including fear, anticipation, and anxiety. D’Amato had a unique philosophy that centered around fear and its impact on fighters. He believed that fear was a natural response and an essential part of a fighter’s journey. Amato’s demise took place in 1985 but the impact that he has left on the sport is everlasting.
Moreover, he believed in using emotion as a tool to empower oneself. His teaching undoubtedly helped Tyson who was once the most feared boxer in the world. He even taught Tyson the peek-a-boo style, which brought his destructive power to whole another level. Recently, an old video of the late trainer surfaced on Instagram. In the video, D’Amato discussed the importance of fear in the sport.
He said, “Fear is very important thing in boxing because all fighters are afraid. As strange as it may sound to people who watch the fight. Now, fear is like fire. If you let it get out of control, it’ll destroy you and everything around you. You manage to control it, you can make it work for you.” To Cus, fear is not a handicap, but a utility that should be used to sharpen oneself.
Cus D’Amato left behind a legacy
As the video resurfaced, it soon went viral and fans started expressing their sentiments about the loss of the great trainer. They started to mourn his passing in response to the video. One such fan, Michele Scotti Belli pointed out the effect his death had on Tyson’s life, writing, “Unfortunately you left Mike way too early he wasn’t ready.”
Another fan, Rijad claimed, “He would have made a great war General.” Meanwhile, Leonardo Ponce added, “I really believed if cus d amato was still alive to train mike Tyson he would’ve been the best man I swear.”
Mark E decided to share his viewpoint on the subject of ‘fear’. He wrote, “Fear is very hard for me When I sparred other fighters. It’s very hard when you’re an over thinker . You can’t think you have to let your hands go.”As the world mourns the loss of Cus D’Amato, his legacy endures through these words and the fighters he molded. The fire of his wisdom continues to guide those who step into the ring, a reminder that fear, like fire, can either consume or empower – the choice is in the hands of the fighter. What do you think about the video? Do you agree with the message the legendary trainer was trying to give? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Baloo pointed out, “This is where Tyson got his control the fear analogy from. So much to boxing or any martial arts then just the physical aspect of it.” Though Point, disagrees with the trainer’s views, writing, “He tripping if you fear someone you a turkey.”
Another fan, Luke Lacroix added, “So this is where Rocky got the quote.”