Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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Teddy Atlas is one of the best known personalities in the world of boxing. 17 champions have been crowned with Teddy as their trainer. Currently the lead commentator on ESPN's Friday Night Fights, my cousin (who continues to land big interview after big interview) recently had a chance to catch up with him and discuss "The Sweet Science." Teddy Atlas is one of the best known personalities in the world of boxing. 17 champions have been crowned with Teddy as their trainer. Currently the lead commentator on ESPN's Friday Night Fights, I recently had a chance to catch up with him and discuss "The Sweet Science."

SS: Thanks a lot for taking the time to join me Teddy, I've been a big fan for a long time.

TA: Not a problem, it's my pleasure.

SS: We just recently saw a top prospect Andy Lee lose his first fight to Brian Vera on Friday Night Fights, what happened?

TA: It just goes to show there are no Superman's out there. In any moment there are vulnerabilities. I was wrong about the fight. The fight was tailor made for Andy Lee to win. Vera's character was more than Lee expected. He wasn't ready for the determination. Lee's best weapon, his right hook was never there. It turned into a slugfest and Vera wasn't going to be denied.

SS: Who are some of the top prospects we should be aware of? I know Yuriorkis Gamboa is one, we saw him on your show a few weeks back.

TA: Gamboa is good. He has beat a lot of good fighters. He was in the Olympics and beat the best international fighters. He has a confidence about him, a true belief in himself. He's a guy you want to watch develop.

Eric Fields is another. He has a lot of speed and expertise. Great control also.

Other guys would be Odlanier Solis, Abner Mares and of course Andre Berto.

SS: I have to get your thoughts on Ohio's own Kelly Pavlik.

TA: He's very pleasing to the eye and is very good for the sport. He did things the old fashioned way, he earned it. He has a lot of talent and he's dependable, he respects the game. Pavlik comes prepared and doesn't drift from that. I love to see guys like that make it. I hope to see him fight the winner of Calzaghe and Hopkins. The fight with John Duddy they were taking about wouldn't be competitive in my opinion.

SS: What are the main things that boxing as a whole can do to improve?

TA: First and foremost they have to get rid of the sanctioning organizations. They're corrupt, that's been proven in the court of law when the IBF was selling ratings. Fighters need to earn title shots, not get them because of the relationships with promoters.

Also, the judges that are chosen need to have credibility. Fans come up to me and are passionate every week telling me that something has to be done. It happens too often. I've had people tell me they won't watch fights because of it. All other sports have it set up where the judges or referees are judged. There should be a panel or commission. The judges should have the watch the fight again and explain why they came up with their decision. Being a judge is a privilege, not a right. The sport as a whole needs a foundation, a structure.

SS: That is great stuff Teddy, what is your own most memorable moment?

TA: Michael Moorer becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the World. You're in the gym every single day and then all of a sudden, you're there.

Also, training fighters seven days a week, you're not making any money and you don't know what they'll become.

SS: Teddy, I think we could talk for hours and the pleasure has been all mine. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me and educating me on the great sport of boxing. You do a helluva job on Friday Night Fights and I'll keep tuning in because of it.

TA: I can tell you're a real fan and it has been fun, thank you Scott.