Mike Tyson never knew his father. He was raised by his mother in Brooklyn NY, he was raised in poverty. He was a troubled kid who resorted to fighting, stealing and other social vices because he lacked a father figure in his life. 

He would have been killed or jailed due to the life that he was leading. Someone introduced him to Cus D’Amato at the age of 13 years. Cus was 79 years old when he met the troubled teen. Cus took Tyson into his home and practically raised him as his own child.

Cus believed in Tyson when no one else believed in him. The Italian-American took Tyson to the gym and taught him how to box, he made the teenager read books and watch old boxing clips. Cus taught him the trademark peek-a-boo style of boxing.

Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion ever at the age of 20. Cus instilled discipline, resilience, hardwork and critical thinking in Tyson.

Mike Tyson always breaks down whenever he talks about Cus in interviews. He calls Cus his father.

The importance of a father figure in the life of a child cannot be overemphasised. If Cus didn’t take Tyson in and nurtured him, he wouldn’t have achieved greatness in boxing.