Teddy Atlas Names Toughest Champion After Decades Training Boxing Legends
October 6, 2025 - Veteran boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, who has guided 18 fighters to world championships, recently identified Michael Spinks as possessing the most resilient chin of all his celebrated proteges.Atlas, known for his candid assessments and decades of experience in the sport, revealed his choice during a recent interview, citing Spinks’ ability to withstand punishing blows throughout his career.
Atlas’s assessment carries significant weight within the boxing community, given his long and distinguished career working with iconic fighters like Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, and Alexander Povetkin. The question of which fighter possesses the greatest ability to absorb punishment is a perennial debate among fans and experts, and Atlas’s viewpoint offers a unique insight from someone who has observed the sport’s elite up close. His decision highlights the often-overlooked importance of a strong chin in achieving sustained success at the highest level of boxing.
“Michael Spinks, without a doubt,” Atlas stated. “He had a stunning way of rolling with punches, and he was incredibly strong mentally. He didn’t get hit cleanly frequently enough, but when he did, he recovered remarkably well.” Spinks, a light heavyweight champion who later conquered the heavyweight division, retired with a record of 31-1, with 21 knockouts.
Atlas emphasized that a fighter’s chin isn’t solely about physical toughness. ”It’s about technique, anticipation, and a fighter’s will to survive,” he explained. “Spinks had all of those qualities.” he contrasted Spinks with other durable fighters he’s trained, acknowledging their strengths but ultimately reaffirming his belief in Spinks’ superior resilience. The trainer’s comments provide a engaging glimpse into the subtle nuances that separate good fighters from truly great ones.
