Teddy Atlas Names Toughest Champion After Decades Training Boxing Legends
Octoberโค 6, 2025 โฃ- โฃVeteran โฃboxing trainer Teddy Atlas,โ who has guided 18 fighters to world championships, recently identified Michael Spinks as possessing the most resilient chin of all his celebratedโ proteges.Atlas, known for his candid โขassessments and decades ofโค experience in the sport, revealed his choice during aโ recent interview, citing Spinks’ ability to withstand punishingโ blows throughout โhis career.
Atlas’s assessment carries significant weight within the boxingโข community, given his long andโค distinguished career working with iconic fighters like Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, and Alexander โคPovetkin. The question of which fighter possesses โคthe greatest ability toโข absorb punishment is a perennial debate among fans and experts, and Atlas’s โviewpoint offers a unique insight from someone who โhas observedโ the sport’s โฃelite up close. His decision highlights the often-overlooked importance of aโค strong chin in achieving sustained success at the highest level of boxing.
“Michael Spinks, without a doubt,” Atlas stated. “Heโฃ had a stunning way of rolling with punches, and he โwas โคincredibly strong mentally. He didn’t get hit cleanly frequently enough, but โwhen he did, he recovered remarkably well.” Spinks, aโข light heavyweight champion whoโค later conqueredโค the heavyweight division, retired with a record of 31-1, with 21 knockouts. โ
Atlas โฃemphasizedโฃ that aโ fighter’s chin isn’t solely aboutโ physical toughness. โข”It’s about technique, anticipation, and aโข fighter’s will to survive,” he explained. “Spinksโ had all of those qualities.” he contrasted Spinks withโฃ other durable fighters he’s trained, acknowledging their strengths but ultimately reaffirming his belief in Spinks’ superior resilience. Theโ trainer’s comments provide a engaging glimpse into the subtle nuances that separate good fighters from truly great ones.