by Mike Tyson
First published 2017
Mike Tyson examines the profound influence of Cus D'Amato, the legendary boxing trainer who became his surrogate father. D'Amato spotted thirteen-year-old Tyson sparring and immediately declared him a future heavyweight champion. The trainer, who had previously guided Floyd Patterson and Jose Torres to world titles, took Tyson under his wing after the young fighter's mother died. D'Amato adopted Tyson at sixteen, transforming a boy who had lived in fear and poverty into a disciplined athlete and person. Though D'Amato died one year before Tyson claimed the heavyweight championship as the youngest titleholder in history, his lessons remained with his protégé. Tyson reveals the specific wisdom D'Amato shared and how those teachings continue to guide him beyond boxing. The book also exposes D'Amato's battles against the criminal elements that dominated the sport, offering new insights into this remarkable mentor's character and courage.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, autobiography, sports, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mentor-protege
Period: 20th-Century, 21st-Century
480 pages · Hardcover · Blue Rider Press