Episode 17: Adversity Introduces a Man to Himself w/Actor & Former WBO Heavyweight Champion, Michael Bentt The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast

Ladies and Gentlemen, This might just be the most important interview that I’ve ever had.  When I finally got to watching the Netflix documentary “Losers", it ripped my heart open because of the raw honesty of Michael Bentt.  Michael’s emotional courage shows in how he reveals his roller coaster journey from being in a household where fatherly love was conditional to his winning, the high of becoming Heavyweight Champion of the world to the deep abyss of losing the title going through extreme depression, a loss of identity and contemplation of taking his life.  
This former heavyweight boxing champion of the world has a story to tell with life lessons important for every parent, athlete, and coach.  The pain he is willing to share is really his gift to us so that others don’t repeat the same mistakes.  As a complement to this interview, I ask that you watch the first episode of Losers and also read the article that Michael wrote many years ago called “The anatomy of a knockout”.  
 
Enjoy and I hope Michael’s story disturbs you enough to make sure you are doing the right things, the right way, for the right reasons.  As a parent or coach know that your job is to inspire, encourage but also be willing to check in with the athlete to make sure they are doing what they want to do.  It's their journey not ours.
 
Bonus Content: Anatomy of a Knockout
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Direct Link (Spotify): https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thesportsdoc/Anatomy-of-A-Knockout.pdf?dest-id=1196012