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Tysons, Dons, Kings, Corner Men, and Trust

Redemption

If this article could have a signature song, it would be (Rhode Island native) brilliant composer/arranger Bill Conti’s song “Redemption” from the Rocky II soundtrack.

Here it is for your convenience:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE-I7-5qcB8

I watched the Tyson-Paul fight on my phone first, and then watched it again on my laptop. The Mike Tyson that showed up didn’t resemble the one we saw in training. These exhibition type bouts are more theatrics than athletics.

Nonetheless, it evoked memories of the Rocky movies, and I came away with a renewed appreciation for warrior redemption. In my mind I also also juxtaposed the various Stallone characters, in particular, club fighter Rocky Balboa from Rocky in 1976 in a set up fight versus Spider Rico, and ran across behavioral/character archetypes. I reflected on the warrior nature of these characters and how they struggle with trust.

In the early Rambo/First Blood movies, I recalled that while John Rambo’s mentor, Colonel Troutman, was an integral character, there was not likely a nanosecond where the Special Forces warrior didn’t trust himself.

Other Stallone characters – Rocky Balboa and Dwight Manfredi, well, they have moments of doubt.

“The answer is always no until you ask.” – Dwight Manfredi

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that (Tulsa King) Dwight Manfredi’s young driver and protégé is named Tyson. Like Mike Tyson, there are things happening deep down inside him, some of which are beginning to be revealed. After watching the recent Tyson-Paul fight, and reflecting on it for a couple of days with mixed emotions, I arrived at the following conclusions:

The fight was what it was, entertainment. It wasn’t young Rocky Balboa running on determination to “go the distance,” it was, rather, a demonstration that 58-year-old Mike Tyson has evolved through many painful life experiences, and transformations – going through things we can’t imagine nor foresee – but, like all of us, fights forward, and if nothing else, has learned to trust himself.

Jake Paul was gracious in his respect toward the end of the fight. Both men profited handsomely, so what. Netflix realized a few technical limitations, so what. I take joy that Mike, despite losing, has financial security for him and his family, and I wish he has found peace. Who knows what the future holds.

High achievers inevitably experience betrayal; they also gain the experience of trusted mentors if they let them in. I think all people experience this, through life, in varying degrees.

Warriors are often at war with demons we can’t see, and looking to slay dragons for personal reasons. Sometimes losing can be a way to emerge victorious. In any case, to any victor go any spoils, and that victory is long planned and longer understood, within.

I never thought about it before, but Cus D’Amato was Mike Tyson’s Mickey Goldmill, and I’m sure Rocky V character George Washington Duke was based on Don King.

Life is nonlinear. And sometimes, frequently, as Clubber Lang predicted in Rocky III, life brings “pain.” All we can control is our response to it. That can only be accomplished if we give ourselves grace and trust ourselves.

Every generation has their heroes. Every warrior has their heroes. Sometimes a warrior celebrates an opponent and admires their heroism. Some 20 somethings may have been impressed with Tyson, some 50 somethings might have appreciated Paul’s respect of Tyson.

People of all ages might have bitched about their Netflix service.

While some acting is fighting, not all fighting is acting, but some of it certainly is.

(Ironically this past week a gracious Stallone introduced Donald Trump as George Washington 2.0, and in the same week a petulant Robert DeNiro says he’s leaving the US. It’s an interesting contrast to see where the respective stars of Rocky and Raging Bull wind up as ideological polar opposites, but I digress…)

Whether you are a fan or not of Donald Trump, there are few individuals on the on the planet with his work ethic and perseverance.

Trust and Relationships

Mike Tyson’s relationship with his trainer Cus D’Amato, Rocky Balboa’s relationships with his trainer Mickey Goldmill and mentor Apollo Creed, and Dwight Manfredi’s relationships with his partners and enemies in Tulsa King all reflect themes of confidence, trust, betrayal, and personal growth. Each character’s journey is shaped by their interactions with others, and the lessons they learn often involve painful realizations about who to trust and the consequences of those decisions.  It’s possible to dissect these relationships and the lessons learned by each character in terms of confidence, trust, and the hard-earned wisdom gained from their experiences.

1.        Mike Tyson and Cus D’Amato

Confidence and Trust:

• Cus as a Father Figure: Cus D’Amato was not just Tyson’s trainer but also a father figure. He gave Tyson the belief that he could be the best, instilling in him both technical boxing skills and psychological fortitude. Cus was very protective of Tyson, carefully curating the people in his life and surrounding him with those who had his best interests at heart.
• The Lesson About Trust: Tyson’s relationship with Cus was based on loyalty, trust, and a deep emotional connection. Cus taught Tyson how to focus on his goals and avoid distractions or exploitation by the outside world, which was crucial given Tyson’s tumultuous upbringing. However, after Cus’s death in 1985, Tyson’s trust in the wrong people, especially Don King, led to his downfall.
• Painful Lesson – Don King: Tyson’s trust in Don King, who managed his career, proved disastrous. King exploited Tyson financially, manipulated him, and caused a rift between Tyson and those who genuinely cared for him. Tyson’s lesson here was that not everyone who claims to have your best interests at heart actually does. His loss of money, control over his career, and eventual downfall was a result of blind trust in a manipulative figure.

2. Rocky Balboa and Mickey Goldmill, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, Drago, and Tommy Gunn

Confidence and Trust:

• Mickey and Rocky’s Early Struggles: Mickey Goldmill was hard on Rocky, using tough love to build his confidence. Mickey didn’t initially trust Rocky to push himself to his fullest potential, so he was often critical, but over time, Rocky earned Mickey’s respect and trust. Mickey’s guidance was instrumental in Rocky’s rise to the top, but it came with personal sacrifices, like Mickey’s health issues, which Rocky had to reconcile with in Rocky III.
• Apollo Creed: Apollo started as Rocky’s adversary in Rocky I but later became his mentor in Rocky III. Apollo taught Rocky not just boxing techniques but also how to think like a champion. The relationship with Apollo was based on mutual respect. Apollo helped Rocky develop confidence but also pushed him to embrace a new mindset—one that was more strategic and less about raw toughness.
• Clubber Lang and Drago: These two boxers represent the toughest challenges Rocky faces, both physically and mentally.Clubber Lang was a hard-hitting, angry opponent who exposed Rocky’s weaknesses. Rocky learned a painful lesson about complacency and how losing focus and discipline can result in failure.Drago, in Rocky IV, represented a nearly unbeatable force, and fighting him required not only physical preparation but also personal growth. Rocky’s victory was about the power of self-belief, but also understanding that sometimes, confidence must be balanced with humility and the ability to learn from others.
• Tommy Gunn: Tommy Gunn’s betrayal in Rocky V is one of the most painful lessons for Rocky. Tommy, who Rocky took under his wing, ultimately chose to pursue his career without Rocky’s guidance, leading to a public confrontation and a broken trust. Rocky learned that sometimes, loyalty can be betrayed by those closest to you, and not every fighter respects the mentor-mentee relationship.

Lessons Learned:

• From Apollo: Rocky learned the importance of respecting his opponents and preparing not just physically but mentally. Apollo’s mentorship showed him that there’s more to being a champion than brute strength—it’s about mindset, strategy, and adaptability.
• From Clubber Lang: Rocky learned to never underestimate an opponent, and that confidence must be backed by hard work and focus.
• From Drago: The lesson was about overcoming personal limitations and fighting for something more significant than just victory—it was about pride, identity, and standing up for one’s values.
• From Tommy Gunn: The painful lesson here was about loyalty, betrayal, and how sometimes those who rise with you may abandon you when they see a chance for personal gain. It taught Rocky that trust is earned, and some people are in it for themselves, not for the journey you share together.

3. Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King

Confidence and Trust:

• Manfredi’s Transition to Tulsa: After spending 25 years in prison, Dwight “The General” Manfredi is sent to Tulsa as part of a new chapter in his mob life. He arrives with a sense of confidence based on his old-school values, but the world around him has changed. He has to navigate a landscape that is very different from the one he once knew. While Manfredi is experienced, he also has to learn how to adapt to new ways of thinking and interacting with people, particularly as he builds his own criminal empire in Tulsa.
• The Lesson About Trust: Manfredi is a seasoned criminal who is cautious about who he trusts, but he also understands that he needs to build new relationships and alliances in Tulsa. His interactions with people like Tyson (the cowboy), Armand (the nightclub owner), and his new associates show his careful approach to trust. However, even as he plays the game with confidence, he must learn that not everyone in his orbit is trustworthy.

Painful Lessons:

• Betrayal in Tulsa: As the series progresses, Manfredi faces betrayal from people he thought he could trust, particularly his old associates who have their own agendas. Manfredi learns that, even in a world built on loyalty, the rules are constantly changing, and sometimes loyalty can be as fragile as personal ambition. His old-school methods are challenged by new players, and he must decide whether to hold onto his principles or adapt to survive.
• The Lesson of Adaptation: The painful lesson for Manfredi is that even seasoned veterans like him must evolve in response to the world around them. Trusting blindly in old-school mob ties can be dangerous, and his reliance on traditional ways of doing things needs to be balanced with understanding the new dynamics of power, business, and relationships.

“And you grew up good and wonderful. It was great just watching you, every day was like a privilege. Then the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you’re no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that! I’m always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You’re my son and you’re my blood. You’re the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain’t gonna have a life.” -Rocky Balboa

Trust Yourself

The lives of Mike Tyson, Rocky Balboa, and Dwight Manfredi (from Tulsa King) all illustrate the critical importance of trusting yourself first, while also recognizing that trusting mentorswho genuinely have your best interests at heart can guide you to success and growth. Each of these figures navigated complex relationships with mentors, adversaries, and their own sense of self-worth, and their experiences offer valuable lessons about the balance between self-trust and trusting others.

1. Mike Tyson: Trusting Yourself vs. Trusting the Right Mentors

Trusting Yourself:

Mike Tyson’s life is a vivid example of the importance of self-trust, particularly early on in his career. From a troubled upbringing in Brooklyn to becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history, Tyson had to rely on his instincts and self-belief. In the ring, his confidence was crucial—his aggressive, unstoppable style came from his deep trust in his own physical abilities and his fearlessness. Without this belief in himself, he wouldn’t have reached the heights he did in boxing.

However, Tyson’s life also highlights the dangers of blind trust in the wrong people, which ultimately undermined his success and personal growth.

Trusting Mentors (Cus D’Amato):

Tyson’s relationship with his mentor Cus D’Amato is one of the most pivotal aspects of his rise to the top. Cus didn’t just train Tyson physically; he became a psychological guide, instilling in Tyson a sense of purpose and a belief that he could become the greatest boxer ever. Cus gave Tyson the tools to trust his inner strength and helped him harness that confidence into his career. Cus’s mentorship was rooted in unconditional belief, and Tyson needed that trust to help him develop as both a fighter and a person. Cus D’Amato was not just a coach—he was a father figure who helped Tyson trust himself and his abilities.

The Lesson:

Tyson’s life also proves the danger of losing self-trust when you stop trusting the right people. After Cus D’Amato’s death, Tyson was left vulnerable and ultimately placed his trust in Don King, a manipulative figure who exploited Tyson for financial gain and led him into disastrous decisions. This period in Tyson’s life shows that while trusting yourself is crucial, the wrong mentors can hijack your sense of self and steer you off course.

The painful lesson: Tyson’s fall from grace illustrates that trusting the wrong people—who have self-serving motives—can devastate your life and career. The balance is about trusting your instincts, but also discerning who deserves your trust and who will support your well-being.

2. Rocky Balboa: Trusting Yourself and the Value of True Mentorship

Trusting Yourself:

Rocky’s journey is perhaps the most iconic representation of self-trust in popular culture. From the outset, Rocky had little reason to believe in himself—he was an underdog, a working-class boxer with a limited skill set and few resources. But throughout his story, Rocky learned to trust his own heart, his resilience, and his ability to push through adversity. Whether it was enduring the tough training with Mickey Goldmill or later accepting the mentorship of Apollo Creed, Rocky’s self-belief was fundamental in his success.

However, Rocky’s story also reveals that true success doesn’t happen in isolation—sometimes you need to allow others into your life to help you reach your full potential.

Trusting Mentors (Mickey Goldmill, Apollo Creed):

• Mickey Goldmill was Rocky’s first true mentor, albeit with a tough, no-nonsense approach. Mickey believed in Rocky when no one else did, but their relationship wasn’t built on blind trust—it was earned through hard work and loyalty. Mickey’s mentorship was rooted in tough love, and Rocky learned that to be great, he had to put in the work, be disciplined, and face his fears.
• Apollo Creed represented a different kind of mentorship in Rocky III. After defeating Rocky in the first film, Apollo saw something in Rocky that even he didn’t fully understand: the potential to be great. Apollo trained Rocky not just in boxing, but in how to think like a champion. Rocky learned to trust in Apollo’s guidance, which was a crucial step in his mental growth.

The Lesson:

Rocky’s story shows that self-trust is necessary, but mentors who genuinely care can provide the guidance needed to help you unlock your full potential. Without Mickey, Rocky wouldn’t have gained the discipline and drive needed to defeat his toughest opponents. Without Apollo, he wouldn’t have learned how to approach the sport with the mindset of a true champion.

The painful lesson: Rocky also learned the importance of discerning who to trust. His betrayal by Tommy Gunn in Rocky V taught him that even those he trains and helps can sometimes turn against him. However, through it all, Rocky learns that while people may come and go, the core lesson is to trust in his own instincts and never lose sight of his true self, regardless of external opinions or setbacks.

3. Dwight Manfredi (Tulsa King): Trusting Yourself and Adapting to New Realities

Trusting Yourself:

Dwight “The General” Manfredi’s story in Tulsa King shows how self-trust is crucial, especially when you’re navigating a world that’s different from the one you once knew. After serving 25 years in prison, Manfredi is sent to Tulsa to rebuild his criminal empire. His self-confidence, honed over decades in the mob, is one of his defining traits. Despite being in a completely foreign environment, he trusts his instincts and relies on his experience to navigate the criminal world in a new city. Manfredi’s journey reflects resilience and the ability to adapt, all while staying grounded in his own sense of self.

However, like Tyson and Rocky, Manfredi also learns that in order to thrive, he must learn to trust others—especially when forming new alliances in an unfamiliar environment.

Trusting Mentors and Partners (New Relationships in Tulsa):

In Tulsa, Manfredi’s interactions with the people around him are examples of how even someone with as much experience as Manfredi must allow others to enter his circle and trust their guidance in some situations. He is forced to recognize that he needs new partners who understand the local landscape, and that trust must be earned, even in a world driven by crime and betrayal.

Manfredi’s story is also about learning to trust the right people in a new environment. While he’s cautious about who he lets in, he ultimately finds that some people, like Tyson, are valuable allies, while others, like certain members of his old organization, have their own agendas that can compromise his own goals.

The Lesson:

Manfredi learns that self-trust is essential when you’re carving out a new path, but you also need to recognize when it’s time to trust others—especially mentors, partners, and even new allies—who offer you the support you need to succeed in an unfamiliar environment. Trusting those who understand the local dynamics or bring fresh perspectives is key to survival and success.

The painful lesson: Manfredi’s life also underscores the difficulty of trusting people in a world where loyalty is often fleeting. He must learn to be discerning about who he trusts, as not everyone who seems loyal has your best interests at heart.

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” – Mike Tyson

Conclusion – Trusting Yourself and the Importance of Mentors

The lives of Mike Tyson, Rocky Balboa, and Dwight Manfredi each emphasize that self-trust is the foundation of confidence and success. However, their stories also highlight that mentorship—the right kind of mentorship—can accelerate growth, teach valuable life lessons, and provide guidance when navigating tough situations.

• Mike Tyson learned that trusting himself was key, but the lesson of trusting the wrong people (like Don King) showed that even the strongest individuals need to be selective in whom they trust. Tyson’s relationship with Cus D’Amato shaped his confidence and self-belief, but the painful lesson of trusting Don King showed him the dangers of misplaced trust in people who are driven by self-interest.
• Rocky Balboa shows that while self-trust is vital, mentors like Mickey and Apollo helped him rise to greatness by teaching him discipline, strategy, and a champion’s mindset. Rocky’s relationships with Mickey, Apollo, Clubber, Drago, and Tommy taught him that confidence must be built on respect, hard work, and adaptability, but also that betrayal and misplaced trust can come from unexpected sources.
• Dwight Manfredi’s story in Tulsa King underscores that even someone as experienced as him must navigate a new world with self-trust, but also by finding new mentors and partners who help him adapt and succeed. Dwight Manfredi’s journey in Tulsa King mirrors both Tyson’s and Rocky’s experiences with trust and betrayal, though his painful lesson is more about adapting to new realities and understanding that trust is often transactional, and loyalty must be carefully cultivated in an ever-changing world.

Ultimately, each of these characters learns that while it’s essential to trust yourself first, the wisdom and support of those who truly have your best interests at heart can help you achieve things you might not have believed possible on your own; but when it comes to being the boss, the king, or the champion, well, that’s all inside of you. Trust it. Trust you.

This is the part where I’d love to have the soundtrack play Bill Conti’s “Overture.”

So, here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MgO0BLb6Cg

Paul Fioravanti, MBA, MPA, CTP, is the CEO & Managing Partner of QORVAL Partners, LLC, a FL-based advisory firm (founded 1996 by Jim Malone, six-time Fortune 100/500 CEO) Qorval is a US-based turnaround, restructuring, business optimization and interim management firm. Fioravanti is a proven turnaround CEO with experience in more than 90 situations in more than 40 industries. He earned his MBA and MPA from the University of Rhode Island and completed advanced post-master’s research in finance and marketing at Bryant University. He is a Certified Turnaround Professional and member of the Turnaround Management Association, the Private Directors Association, Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Association of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&MA), the American Bankruptcy Institute, and IMCUSA. Copyright 2024, Qorval Partners LLC and/or Paul Fioravanti, MBA, MPA, CTP.

www.qorval.com

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