ATLAS: FROM THE STREETS TO THE RING: A SON'S STRUGGLE TO BECOME A MAN.......Teddy Atlas


Of all the books I read in 2006 this was one of my favorites. This autobiography almost reads like a novel. The great Teddy Atlas works as an analyst on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights and was boxing commentator for NBC's coverage of the Olympic games in Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004). He is also founder and chairman of the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, named for his father, which has raised and donated more than one million dollars to individuals and organizations in need.

For me it was one of those engrossing books that I cant' wait to finish. Being a fan of the sweet science, I thoroughly enjoyed the boxing aspects of the book. This book , however is much more than a boxing tale, it is a great book to read even if you are not a boxing fan. It is also more than the simple story of a boy growing up to be a man. Teddy Atlas was born and raised in Staten Island, NY as tough an urban setting as any. It is a story about becoming a man and trying to do the right thing in a tough world, about a young man desperately seeking his father's approval, about life lessons in a straight forward and truthful way. It is a story about becoming a stand up guy through life learning lessons of friendships, honor, fear, truths, hardships, commitment, dedication, forgiveness, compassion, integrity, triumph and redemption. Along the way there are some fascinating stories and experiences with many in the boxing industry , as well as a diverse group of people including Twyla Tharp, Sammy "The Bull' Gravano & William Dafoe.


This is an inspiring book as told by a real man's man not by some 2 degrees shrink espousing psychoanalytical reasons behind behaviors! By the way Teddy Atlas was brought in by the New York Jets coach Eric Mangini to speak to the team. Look at the year the Jets had! Let me tell you, once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down until you have read the last page!!! Enjoy