ESPN boxing analyst and trainer Teddy Atlas was honored Sunday at the third annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame induction and awards dinner in New York. Atlas, who resides in Staten Island, has been involved in the New York boxing scene throughout his career, including six years at the legendary Catskill Boxing Club of Cus D’Amato.
Atlas is perhaps best known for serving as Mike Tyson’s trainer the first four years of his career and preparing him for the eventual world Heavyweight Championship. Among this year’s inductees include former World Heavyweight title challenger Gerry Cooney, the late two-time World Heavyweight Champion Floyd Patterson, Promoter Lou DiBella, and the late trainer Cus D’Amato.
Photo: Teddy Atlas (Center) receives custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. L-R Master of Ceremonies (noted ring announcer) Dave Diamante, New York State Athletic Commission Chairperson Melvina Lathan, Atlas, Atlas’ daughter Nicole Atlas, and NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy.
Atlas on being inducted: “When you accomplish anything worthwhile there is always sacrifice, but inevitably there is also some loss for your family as they accept whatever is necessary to allow you to succeed. The best thing about being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame is the opportunity it gave me to thank my family for being the greatest corner in the history of the sport.”
Matt Sandulli, ESPN senior coordinating producer, ESPN boxing on Atlas being inducted: “This is a great honor for Teddy and one that is well deserved. He has been a terrific representative of the New York boxing scene his entire career and his Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation Cops and Kids gyms continue to cultivate the future of the sport in the great city of New York. His ESPN family couldn’t be prouder of him receiving this honor.”
The 2014 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.
In order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, all boxers needed to have been inactive for at least three years, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.
