How did legendary boxing trainer Cus D’Amato die?
From creating the Peek-a-Boo style to coaching boxers like Floyd Patterson and Mike Tyson, D'Amato left his mark on history.
“Greatness is not a measure of how great you are but how great others came to be because of you”
— Cus D’Amato
Born on January 17, 1908, in New York City, Cus D’Amato was an influential figure in the world of boxing. Although his own aspirations as a professional boxer were derailed by an eye injury, he channeled his passion into training and managing boxers.
Over a career that spanned more than 50 years, D’Amato became renowned for his innovative peek-a-boo boxing style. His most famous protégé, Mike Tyson, rose to legendary status under his guidance. Throughout his career, D’Amato also mentored many future trainers and managers, including Teddy Atlas.
His efforts paid off, leading him to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Personal life
Though he never married, D’Amato entered into a common-law relationship with Camille Ewald, a Ukrainian woman whose family immigrated from Ukraine.
The couple never married or had any children, but their relationship and friendship lasted until D’amato died. Camille was like a mother to many of D’Amato’s socially challenged students, allowing their home to become a halfway house for many of them.
How did Cus D’Amato die?
The boxing trainer reached the age of 77 before he passed away due to pneumonia on November 4, 1985. He died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The loss was deeply felt in the boxing world, where he had spent his life fostering and developing talent. Tributes poured in from all corners of the sport, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Burial
He was later buried in Catskill, New York, the place where he had spent his final years training the next generation of boxers. His legacy lives on through the many champions he molded and the trainers he inspired.
The inscription on his grave leaves us with the following words:
“A BOY COMES TO ME WITH A SPARK OF INTEREST. I FEED THE SPARK AND IT BECOMES A FLAME. I FEED THE FLAME AND IT BECOMES A FIRE. I FEED THE FIRE AND IT BECOMES A ROARING BLAZE.”
— CUS