Damato's praise overwhelmed Tyson, akin to a torrential flood—a stark contrast to the coach's previous stoic demeanor.
In a world inundated with critiques, this commendation rang clear.
The impression Cus Damato left on Tyson was profoundly positive.
In his entire life, he had never received such heartfelt acknowledgment.
The lunch prepared by Carmel was lavish, leaving Tyson momentarily speechless.
Steak, an array of jams, bread, fresh salads—his plate overflowed with culinary delight.
As Tyson grew, his appetite shifted, and soon he found himself devouring the meal with gusto.
"I like this kid!" Damato exclaimed.
Stewart laughed, shrugging, "There's no such thing as etiquette in this place."
"He appreciates me here; he feels free to express himself," Tyson replied, recognizing Damato's genuine fondness.
That afternoon, Cus chose not to return to the training hall but instead spent time speaking with Tyson. They lounged beneath a sprawling maple tree, engaging in relaxed conversation.
Before departing, Damato gifted Tyson a hefty 'boxing encyclopedia' and a bouquet of carefully selected roses.
"He thinks highly of you. If you maintain the spirit of the camp, you'll achieve great things in the future," Stewart commented on their way back.
Tyson felt a surge of pride at this affirmation.
"Thank you," he replied sincerely.
Upon returning to the camp, Tyson gathered several plastic bottles, filling them with water to hold the roses he'd received.
Once arranged, the room transformed with their vibrant beauty.
"Wow, Mike, are those your roses?" Bach exclaimed upon entering.
"Yes, given to me by a respected mentor," Tyson responded, appreciating the gift.
Bach gazed at the flowers, clearly impressed: "He must be a remarkable person."
The reality was almost the opposite—Damato was a man often characterized by seriousness, yet he held an unusual knack for uplifting others.
Later that evening, after a workout with Bach, Tyson reclined on his bed, engrossed in the boxing encyclopedia.
The book encompassed the entirety of boxing: its origins, history, and the journeys of those legendary fighters.
Benny Leonard, Harry Greb, Jack Johnson, among others, were chronicled with reverence.
They faced grueling training regimens, yet each discovered joy in the process, ultimately rising to prominence in the boxing world.
Tyson learned that boxing is more than just physical confrontation; it embodies a spirit of resilience and self-expression—a testament to the courage required to face formidable adversaries.
No one achieves mastery overnight, nor is anyone innately destined for greatness.
He resonated with the sentiment from the book: 'The eternal diamond does not shine as brightly as the glory earned by a champion.'
Within its pages were countless truths, some of which he struggled to fully comprehend in one night.
As weeks passed, Tyson found a rhythm in his routine, training diligently under Stewart from Monday through Friday. Each Friday evening, Stewart drove him to Cus Damato's residence.
On weekends, Tyson practiced with Teddy in the training hall and then stayed at Cus's home.
There were four people living in the house: Tyson, his girlfriend Camille, trainer Teddy, and a fellow boxer named Loki.
Cus refrained from boxing practice at home; instead, they engaged in insightful discussions.
Their conversations delved into training methods, Tyson's feelings, and the mental aspects of boxing.
Engaging with Cus was akin to exploring profound philosophical themes—realms he had never ventured into previously.
"If you're not mentally strong, it doesn't matter how physically powerful you are; you'll never become a true boxer," Cus's words resonated deeply within Tyson.
It was clear that Cus aimed to cultivate a mental giant out of him.
Through their discussions, Tyson gained a richer understanding of Cus, who also shared his own challenging upbringing on the streets.
"Fear is a crucial element every boxer must understand, but it can also be a source of strength," Cus remarked, his serious demeanor intensifying.
"Fear is akin to fire; learn to harness it, and it will empower you to overcome obstacles. Let it spiral out of control, though, and it could consume you completely."
"It's similar to a snowball rolling down a mountainside. If unchecked, it grows larger and more challenging to manage. Ultimately, it could crush you."
"A boxer must contain their fears, preventing them from spiraling unchecked. Failure to do so can impede your journey or even threaten your survival."
"Consider the deer that strays into an open field. As it approaches the forest, instinct warns it of lurking danger. Within, a lion awaits, requiring sustenance."
"In those moments, the survival instinct activates. Adrenaline surges through the body, heightening strength and agility."
"Typically, a deer can jump half a meter, but fear-induced adrenaline can propel it to jump 1.5 meters, granting the freedom needed to escape peril."
"Human beings experience this too. Confronted with threats, fear ignites adrenaline, empowering them to exceed their limitations."
"Mike, do you know what distinguishes a hero from a coward?"
Tyson pondered this, then replied, "Is it how they respond to fear that sets them apart?"
Cus nodded, pleased. "Heroes and cowards share similar feelings of fear, but their choices diverge dramatically. A hero takes decisive action based on their principles, while a coward simply flees."
"The mind is not an ally, Mike. Mastery over your thoughts is essential. You must control your emotions, particularly within the ring. Much fatigue stems from psychological pressures. Those ready to retreat will always find excuses."
"You won't sleep soundly before a match, and neither will your opponent. He may appear stronger, more composed, but you can't perceive the fear lurking within him."
"If you succumb to your own weaknesses, he may gain strength beyond what he possesses. Conversely, if you face the challenge boldly, you'll instill fear in him, diminishing his capabilities."
"Remember, maintaining your composure eases tensions."
"The moment the bell rings, you'll present a courteous gesture, but in an instant, all pretense falls away—you and your opponent are boxed into reality."
"By mastering your will, you command both your opponent and the crowd, entering the ring as a formidable force."
Thus, Cus spoke into the night, providing Tyson with insights on the psychological intricacies of boxing.
He instilled the importance of remaining undisturbed by external influences.
Only with a tranquil mind can one harness emotions and instincts vital to boxing.
"Mike, I've discussed my boxing philosophy with renowned author Norman Mailer. He once told me, 'Cus, you may not realize it, but you're practicing Zen.' He even gifted me a book titled "Zen in Archery," which I've come to cherish. You should read it when you can; it might offer you valuable insights."
"In my youth, I trained in a New York boxing gym, eager to become a professional. I pounded the heavy bag for weeks, until the day the manager asked if I was ready to spar. Without hesitation, I agreed."
"When I faced the opponent in the ring, my heart raced, fear enveloping me like a storm. The match began, and he attacked relentlessly. I quickly found myself overwhelmed, blood streaming down my face. When he prompted me to continue, I said, 'I want to try again.'"
"Standing in the ring once more, I experienced an eerie detachment—my soul and body felt separate. I observed the punches landing in slow motion, my instincts taking over, seemingly without my conscious input."