There are still more than twenty days until the national Golden Gloves competition. During this time, Tyson plans to seek out skilled training partners.
He shared his thoughts with Kus.
"This is a solid idea. I've been thinking the same. Tommy and Teddy can't provide the sparring you need anymore. Recently, we've had some financial challenges, as Carmel mentioned. Given your title as champion and the $50,000 prize, you should have the means to secure some good sparring sessions."
Tyson replied, "Absolutely, Kus, but I don't have the right individuals lined up. You know I'm completely focused on boxing. I don't have many connections to find the right partners."
Finding quality sparring partners isn't as simple as picking someone off the street. It requires professionals who can withstand the intensity of Tyson's training.
With Tyson's current strength, most boxers wouldn't be suitable sparring partners, as they wouldn't be able to endure the power of his punches—even with high-grade gloves.
Thus, locating the right sparring partners became a real challenge.
Kus reassured him, "No need to worry; I'll find the right people for you in the next couple of days. How does three additional sparring partners sound? That gives you a total of five, including Teddy."
With five sparring partners, Tyson felt that would suffice, so he agreed.
Kus stood up. "Alright, Mike, I'll get on that. Meanwhile, we need to get ready for a talk show."
It was a local program, but Kus still donned his gray suit jacket over a vibrant sports shirt.
Once they were dressed, Teddy drove them to the studio.
Kus sat solidly on a prepared sofa with a serious demeanor, while Tyson appeared more relaxed.
The host, a jovial man in his forties named Alex, welcomed them on set.
"Mr. Kus, how did you discover Tyson?"
Kus began, "A friend of mine mentioned a promising young boxer—a kid with talent and drive, but some personal struggles. Intrigued, I invited him to my gym. Upon seeing him, I recognized instantly that he was the one I had been waiting for. I could visualize his future as if it were playing out before my eyes. I confidently predicted he would become the champion of boxing."
"I've dedicated my life to nurturing the perfect boxer. I understand the qualities that a future champion must possess—someone who meets every challenge head-on. Mike Tyson exemplifies that."
"I've taught him a variety of techniques, allowing him to adapt and react appropriately in the ring. Even against weaker opponents, he still performs exceptionally."
"Tyson possesses incredible speed in his punches, often catching his foes off guard. His timing is instinctual, enabling him to respond perfectly when it matters most. These attributes usually take a decade to cultivate, training every single day."
"Yet, Tyson achieved this level in just three years. He embraced my training methods without complaint, never allowed minor setbacks to derail his progress."
"I've engaged with him extensively to understand his character and psychology, helping him uncover his true fighting style. It was crucial to shed layers of self-doubt, revealing the fighter within. Once accomplished, his development accelerated significantly."
Alex promptly probed, "What did you find when you peeled back those layers of Mike Tyson?"
Kus took a moment, clearly gathering his thoughts.
"I discovered a talented boxer with the potential to be the greatest. My goal became guiding him to realize that potential, as it wouldn't materialize without his acknowledgment. In my view, mastery lies in a person's ability to remain unwavering, focused on their responsibilities regardless of internal doubts."
"I believe Mike is on the cusp of this realization. He's closing in on the pivotal qualities required to become a world-class champion."
"If circumstances remain stable and if we persist with rigorous training, he has the potential to become the greatest boxer in history, without question."
Tyson felt a surge of motivation beside him.
Alex shifted focus. "You're seventy-two, while Mike is so young. How do you manage the training? Has it been difficult?"
Kus hesitated for a moment before responding. "I often tell him: 'I understand you may not grasp my intent yet, but it's important to foster that understanding; otherwise, without him, I might not be here today.'"
"I've been waiting my entire life for someone like him, and fate has brought him to me—proving my wait was worth it."
"Seeing him thrive and constantly evolve gives me a renewed sense of purpose. Without this inspiration, I might lose interest in living."
"People inevitably drift away from those they once cherished, leading to self-doubt. I might wonder if I'm simply an outdated coach. What reason do I have to continue?"
"But now I have a reason: Mike. He energizes me. I will be here to witness his success as he becomes the greatest, reaching heights I can only imagine. Until that moment arrives, I will fight against time and give my all to aid him."
"When he reaches that pinnacle, he won't only understand boxing; he'll grasp life's complexities, becoming self-sufficient."
Tyson felt the weight of Kus's expectations pressing on him, understanding that Kus believed in his ability to transform that pressure into a driving force.
Alex had more questions, this time aimed at Tyson.
"Mike Tyson, what does your future look like? What is your dream?"
Tyson considered before spreading his hands. "Dreams often flourish at the beginning. They ignite motivation. Some say I'll become a millionaire boxer, but they overlook my journey. They don't see the struggles I've faced to reach this point."
"Training to compete is the simplest part of the sport. Walking into the ring feels like a getaway. But back in the training hall, it's relentless work until I can barely move. I refuse to entertain thoughts of giving up; otherwise, I push through and continue training. I aim for joy in my craft, just like with basketball or football."
"Currently, I'm focused on amateur competitions, driven by the desire for trophies and medals; but someday, once I turn professional, those trophies will lose their significance. I want to secure financial stability and make a positive impact on others."
"I envision sharing my successes, perhaps even connecting with those less fortunate. I aspire to choose the right path and embrace the feeling that follows."
---
After the recording ended, it was already nine in the evening.
The trio decided to grab a bite nearby.
"This has been a fantastic day, hasn't it?" Tyson remarked.
"Absolutely," Kus agreed with a smile. "It's been a while since I've appeared on TV. When was my last time? Sixty-five or sixty-six years ago?"
Teddy chimed in, clearly enjoying the excitement, even if it was his first experience in such a setting, merely observing from the sidelines.
Upon returning home, they each retreated to their routines for the night.
Tyson followed his regimen until eleven o'clock before heading to bed.
The next afternoon, Kus visited Tyson during training.
He was accompanied by three imposing figures.
"Mike, your training partners are ready."
These were three robust men, precisely what Tyson required.
One, a short-haired white man with a prominent nose, introduced himself as Nick.
Another, larger and taller, was a black man named Eric.
The last was also white and called Alva.
Kus explained, "Mike, you'll need to pay them $580 each week."
"That works for me."
With a total of $2,900 weekly for five partners, Tyson calculated it was entirely reasonable.
Right now, what he needed most was hands-on combat experience.
His matches had been too few, particularly the fifteen bouts with unskilled opponents. Most contests ended in a single round, offering little chance to enhance his abilities.
Thus, he required five sparring partners to engage in a series of challenging exchanges.
Only through prolonged sparring could he distill the lessons he sought from real experiences.
Kus organized their boxing gear and announced, "Alright, everyone. You're set to train with Mike."