The infamous peek-a-boo boxing style of heavyweight icon Mike Tyson has its roots. And it’s through one of the late Cus D’Amato’s eye for a seasoned light heavyweight talent.
Known for his devastating power and in-fighting due to his ducking and rising peek-a-boo style, Mike Tyson ruled the heavyweight roost through that style — implemented by his iconic late trainer D’Amato in the Catskills.
But long before Tyson, the Bronx coach took a keen eye on a masterful talent at the light heavyweight limit — through that exact fighting style.
Maxie Rosenbloom brought about a peek-a-boo style to win light heavyweight gold
A heralded boxer during his era in the sport, the late Maxie Rosenbloom — an esteemed actor and television personality, too, plied his trade in the ring under the watchful gaze of the legendary head coach D’Amato during his run in the ring.
And on this day in 1931, Rosenbloom closed out his staggering seven-fight series with Jimmy Slattery in style — taking bragging rights in the duo’s NYSAC (New York State Athletic Commission) and The Ring light heavyweight title fight at Ebbets Fields.
Taking on the late Buffalo puncher a stunning seven times over the course of their rivalry, Rosenbloom would close out the series by defending his crown.
A year prior, Rosenbloom had taken the titles from Slattery in their sixth fight — taking home another split decision win to land the undisputed light heavyweight crown at just 23 years of age.
With his success in the ring, Rosenbloom was credited by D’Amato for innovating the iconic peek-a-boo style he later used to hone the ability of heavyweight icon, Tyson.
Cus D’Amato viewed Maxie Rosenbloom as the template of a perfect fighter
A fierce counter striker during his era, Rosenbloom was known for his defensive nature when it came to competition — receiving massive praise during that time in the sport as a result.
And in a similar vein to the modern-day safety-first Floyd Mayweather, Rosenbloom caught the eye of many a technician — including D’Amato, who heralded the late Connecticut pugilist.
“(Maxie) Rosenbloom was probably the cleverest fighter I’ve ever seen, defensively,” D’Amato said in his Philosophers’ Mentality manifesto.
“You just couldn’t hit the man. He developed a sort of radar, a sense of anticipation of blows, and the ability to react to that — and act on it.”
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