Atlas Audiobook By Teddy Atlas, Peter Alson cover art

Atlas

From the Streets to the Ring: A Son's Struggle to Become a Man

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Atlas

By: Teddy Atlas, Peter Alson
Narrated by: Teddy Atlas
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About this listen

"Of all the people who have affected my life and influence the choices I've made, none has been more important than my father."

So begins the autobiography of legendary boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas, who grew from the rebellious son of a doctor to a man who embraces, and lives by, his father's values and code.

In this gritty, spellbinding tale, Atlas recounts his fascinating life as a juvenile delinquent on the streets of Staten Island; as a boxer and Golden Gloves champion under the tutelage of famed trainer Cus D'Amato; as a companion to the dangerous, unpredictable Sammy "the Bull" Gravano, up until the day Gravano turned rat and brought down crime boss John Gotti; and as a trainer of champions and contenders, among them 14-year-old Mike Tyson and heavyweight Michael Moorer, whom he led to the crown with a win over Evander Holyfield.

Equally engrossing are Teddy Atlas's accounts of training Twyla Tharp, dancer and choreographer, for her successful comeback at the age of 42; his work with actor Willem Dafoe, preparing him for his role as a concentration camp boxer in the film Triumph of the Spirit; his journey to Poland to choreograph the film's boxing scenes; and his own performance in movies such as Play It to the Bone.

In sharing his stories, Atlas reveals the philosophy by which he lives. Like Teddy Atlas - inimitable, tough, honest, and wise - this book inspires. It is about so much more than boxing. It is a story of overcoming hardships, of compassion for those in need, of tremendous personal integrity, and of personal and professional triumph.

©2006 HarperCollins Publishers LLC (P)2019 Teddy Atlas
Boxing Combat Sports & Self-Defense Sports Combat Sports Inspiring Boxing Biographies
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Editor's Pick

A fighter-philosopher
"Teddy Atlas has earned his reputation as a soothsayer, troublemaker, and generally controversial boxing mainstay. From training to commentating, Teddy’s done it his way, all the way. What I love most about this listen is his unflinchingly honest criticism of boxing promoters and their ruling bodies. He’s an ardent advocate for the fighters as well as the purity of the sport—even when that loyalty has come at great personal cost. There’s tons of appeal for self development fans, too, in Teddy’s hard-won life philosophies stemming from his troubled youth and stellar career."
Sean T., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Atlas

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Fascinating biography by legendary Teddy

I am glad Teddy himself narrated it. The book is more than boxing, it is about people, relationships, fears, insecurities, loyalty, betrayal and all that juice stuff.

I couldn't put it down. Finished it within 3 days.

Now when I see him talking on interviews, youtube etc, i feel like I know him. And it is pleasure to get to know him. He is a kind, caring , compassionate man with big heart.

Blessing to him and his family and people who helped him with the audiobook.

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Damn this is good! Highly recommended!

I burnt through this in one day - damn this is great! I love this! And Teddy reading it is great.. probably my favorite audiobook to date. I devoured this :-)! If you’re a fight guy/gal this is a must. And there are some life lessons here too.

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Excellent insight from a boxing maestro.

Few understand the sport of boxing as well as Teddy Atlas. His book is a fascinating story of his life, challenges faced inside and outside the ring, and dealing with adversity like a pro. Excellent insight from a boxing maestro. Highly recommended.

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Teddys honesty

Loved every second of it. Always admired teddy’s honesty and courage. A true father figure and mentor to this generation of men upcoming

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Teddy's Story Had Me Hooked!

I will remember this book forever.
I didn't realize the book was over when it came it was so easy to listen to while at work.
Some people cracked jokes at work but this book don't play. Their mocking of listening to a book at a construction site quickly turned into us enjoying a nice story. Especially when they realized it was Teddy Atlas speaking.

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Excellent Book By An Excellent Boxing Legend

This was a very enjoyable listen where I found myself listening non-stop a.m. to p.m. A movie should be made; make it happen Teddy.

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Legendary Trainer, Motivator, God doesn’t make um like this any more...

I grew up on the school-yard playground hearing mythical-like stories of an up and coming boxer named Mike Tyson who knocked out the Champion Michael Spinx in a matter of seconds.

As Teddy says early on in the book the great Cus D’amato convinced him to train boxers by telling Teddy (more or less) “if you take a fighter from boy to man and train him, then there’s a piece of you inside him when he fights”.

That was Cus and Teddy inside Mike when he was knocking out Spinx,

I continued to follow Teddy in the 90’s and I remember the “It Happened” moment when 45 year old Foreman knocked out his fighter Michael Moorer. Teddy had seen it coming from a mile away and can be seen on camera yelling at Moorer to move away from Big George’s right just before—“It Happened”.

Such great stories marked my childhood and I was curious to hear the background from Teddy. What I found from Teddy in this book is much much more than a collection of stories. This man is a Titan!! And the last of a dying breed of generation that grew up on the streets and learned from the school of the hard knocks.

Teddy combined his street smarts with what he’d learn from his father to become a true legend in sport and in life.

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Good Tough Guy Becomes Best Boxing Coach

If your tough or atleast think you are this will be a great listen for you. Teddy gives you a look at some reason tough guys and some professional fighters.

His philosophy on life and truth will give you a perspective on things that you cannot have unless you learn it from a guy like Teddy.

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Incredible

This book is the best. I've read it, but it's even better in Teddy's own hardened New York voice. Besides the fact that he is greatest boxing trainer of all time, this is a grown man sharing his trials and tribulations in this emotional story. Listening to his words, will make you laugh, cry and in a strange twist you will question yourself. The moral of the story is commitment and you only though you knew what that meant until you read or listen to this book.

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Audiobook review

This is an amazing story, hands down. I have already read the physical version. but gave the audiobook a go to be able to hear the additional material. I am also a huge fan of Teddy’s podcast, The Fight, where he applies a great deal of the lessons boxing and his experiences have taught him to everyday life. I personally think The Fight makes the greatest supplement to this book. Teddy does a good job reading his book but having heard his podcast and knowing he lived all of these experiences I was expecting a bit more emphasis in some of the emotional moments. That said, I have never had anyone ask me to read a book aloud for six hours at a time for three days straight so I cannot claim I could do better. Regardless, I highly recommend taking this book in however you can if you have the slightest interest.

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