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“I’m Sorry”: 37 Years After Cus D’Amato’s Death, Video of Emotional Mike Tyson Getting Choked Up While Paying Tribute to Late Father Figure Resurfaces

Published 08/26/2023, 11:42 AM EDT

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When it comes to the topic of who’s the best boxing coach of all time, the name of Cus D’Amato always comes up. The legendary trainer helped Mike Tyson become the youngest heavyweight champion in the world. It was he who helped Tyson come out of his delinquent lifestyle as a troubled teenager and focused his destructive energy on boxing instead. This is the reason Tyson holds his former trainer in such high regard.

He has always expressed his gratitude towards the late trainer. Tyson is not one to hold back and has shared stories about D’Amato’s influence on his life. Even boxing fans often mourn the death of the much-beloved trainer whenever the topic is brought up. Recently a video of Tyson breaking down as he talked about D’Amato surfaced on YouTube.

Mike Tyson tears up while reminiscing about his former trainer

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Even though the sole father figure in Tyson’s life passed away back in 1985, the impact he left on the boxer, still remains to this day. In a recently surfaced video, such emotions can be seen clearly. In the video uploaded by Fighting Centre, the boxing legend recalled the time he met his late trainer for the first time.

Tyson said, “He said don’t worry I’mma take you to this gentleman Cus D’Amato. He is gonna take you to the next level.” D’Amato was loved by his fighters as he would always care for them.

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The love is apparent in the video and Tyson even stated, “And I fell in love with him. He educated me.” Tyson then said, “He made me fall ‘Oh, f**k, s**t.’” However, he almost broke down as he said, “He made me fall in love with myself. The worst thing that ever happened in my life, but the best thing too. He made me fall in love with filth and nothing.”

He was once again unable to continue after this and ended the interview right there.

Where did Tyson see himself prior to boxing?

It is very well known that Tyson had a tough, poverty-stricken childhood as he faced the dangers of the crime-ridden streets of Brooklyn. He had committed all sorts of petty crimes and would even be involved in street fights. Soon ‘The Kid Dynamite’ ended up in juvenile detention centers.

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As Tony Yayo appeared on his podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, the conversation turned towards the situation in Brooklyn during the ’80s and ’90s. At that time Tyson stated, “That’s all I know, I thought I was gonna be a criminal my whole life.”

However, his fate took a turn when he caught the attention of former boxer and counselor Bobby Stewart. Tyson was then introduced to D’Amato and the rest is history.

Read More: Cus D’Amato, Angelo Dundee, Emmanuel Steward, Eddie Futch, “Cuyo” Hernandez – If Your Life Depended on It, Which Coach Would You Pick to Train You?

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Overall, the legendary trainer definitely had a profound effect on Tyson’s fate and allowed his talent to prosper. Tyson’s emotions of deep loss can be seen through the video. What do you think about the former champion reminiscing about Cus D’mato? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Robin Givens: Mike Tyson’s Fiercest Opponent Yet

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Written by:

Chirag Radhyan

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Chirag Radhyan is a Boxing Writer at EssentiallySports. He has authored over 300 articles and loves to talk about the animosity between athletes, leading up to a fight. His coverage of the off-court drama between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury received widespread appreciation from readers.
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Edited by:

Arijit Saha