Iron Ambition

My Life with Cus D'Amato

By: Mike Tyson

Narrated by: Adam Lazarre-White

From the former heavyweight champion and New York Times best-selling memoirist comes an intimate look at the life and leadership lessons of Cus D'Amato, the legendary boxing trainer and Mike Tyson's surrogate father.

When Cus D'Amato first saw 13-year-old Mike Tyson spar in the ring, he proclaimed, "That's the heavyweight champion of the world." D'Amato, who had previously managed the careers of world champions Floyd Patterson and José Torres, would go on to train the young Tyson and raise him as a son. D'Amato died a year before Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

In Tyson's best-selling memoir Undisputed Truth, he recounted the role D'Amato played in his formative years, adopting him at age 16 after his mother died and shaping him both physically and mentally after Tyson had spent years living in fear and poverty. In Iron Ambition, Tyson elaborates on the life lessons that D'Amato passed down to him and reflects on how the trainer's words of wisdom continue to resonate with him outside the ring. The book also chronicles Cus' courageous fight against the mobsters who controlled boxing, revealing more than we've ever known about this singular cultural figure.

©2017 Mike Tyson (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“In this tender and disturbing hybrid of memoir and biography, former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson examines one of the most unusual characters in boxing history…. Tyson’s love for Cus D’Amato is more than apparent, but it doesn’t lead him to downplay his teacher’s myriad faults.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"The boxing champion, infamous for biting and beating, reveals his soft side in this memoir of his longtime mentor and trainer.... [Tyson] writes respectfully and affectionately [about Constantine 'Cus' D'Amato], though some of the old toughness hangs on.... A belated but welcome homage to a boxing legend who died shortly before Tyson's career took off. Fans of the sweet science will want to have a look." (Kirkus Reviews)

Incredible

If you liked the Undisputed Truth, listen to this one. As a boxing trainer myself, I really appreciate Cus D’Amato’s teachings.

Cus was a Commie

this book explains a lot about Mike Tyson and the psychological manipulation that he was under with Cus

good for fighters, trainers, and people in general

love it! the teachings and the stories are great. will keep you wanting more!
I recommend it

this book is greatness just like Mike

This book was very well written and read very well. I love the fact that you get a first hand look into the thought process of Mike and Cuss. I'm actually sad that I finished this book. I'm really hoping they make a movie about Cuss... One of the last true Great Heros!

Imagine you hear Cus

The personal moments from the book - still recite them in my mind. Although Mike told the story both about Cus & the boxing stage at that time, the personal stories & the voice of the narrator is what make it memorable.

Amazing

This is a must for every boxing fan let alone Tyson fans. Mike Tyson was and is one of the most known humans on the planet and he gives great details of his journey.

Required reading for Dreamers & Kings.

You could tattoo this book on my back and I would thank you. Because every morning I would wake up and catch sight of another incredible quote, inspirational story or philosophical revelation in the mirror.

Great Book ... Highly recommended

More than a book ... A true inspiration for me in my life journey to a better Man for me and my son 🙏🏾 ... Can't wait to listen to it again ... Yeah I said it a 19 hr book and about to knock it out again ... #IronAmbition

Incredibly moving

It seemed at times, that Mike himself was doing the narration, every once of emotion was there as I listened. There were times I laughed out loud and times I had tear in my eyes, it’s such a great and inspiring story and life these two men shared. I’m a 54 year old man, and it makes me want to push myself and be better in every way. Thank you for sharing your stories Mike. Much love to and your family.

great story

very informative. gives a great background on tyson and how he became the greatest. Cus was such a big part in molding tyson to who he is today.