05/07 — Teddy Atlas may be one of the fight game's gurus, but he also wears New York Jets clothing part-time, so that explains why he passed up an easy Monday flight back from Las Vegas, where he worked Saturday night's Floyd Mayweather-Oscar de la Hoya fight.

"I'm a little ding-y," Atlas told a TV interviewer before his mike was clipped on. "I just came off a redeye so I could be here today."

"Here" is the Jets' training complex, where Atlas conducts a weekly Monday boxing class with the Jets. It's part of the off-season conditioning program conducted by head coach Eric Mangini and strength coach Sal Alosi, an elective that players can sign up for in addition to their four-days-a-week weightroom sessions.

About 20 players are taking Atlas' classes, with the newest addition linebacker Eric Barton, trying to play catch-up ball after missing the first six sessions.

So who's the best up-and-coming boxer, someone who could make a few bucks after his Jets and NFL career is over?

A number of players didn't hesitate to nominate linebacker Victor Hobson.

"Just watching Victor, he has a lot of skills," said wide receiver Brad Smith.

Others who look like they could handle themselves in the squared circle include linebackers Matt Chatham — a southpaw — and Anthony Schlegel.

For more on Atlas' participation with the Jets and their work with him, check back Wednesday for newyorkjets.com's "May weather" fight package.

[05/09/07 Update] - Fight Package Articles:
- Players Like the Added Punch
- Teddy Atlas Delivers His Message to the Jets