Long considered to be friends, Teddy Atlas was rooting for Marcus Browne (23-0, 16 KOs) when the up-and-coming prize fighter did battle with Badou Jack at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nev., for the WBA’s interim light heavyweight belt last month.

After all, the 28-year-old Browne, a Clifton native, has worked out at the Hall of Fame trainer’s Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Gym in Stapleton for the last decade and a half.

That’s why it came as a surprise to many, including Atlas, when Browne delivered some not-so-cordial remarks to his fellow Islander after capturing the title in domineering fashion.

“I’m from Staten Island, Teddy is from Staten Island,” said Browne in his post-fight interview on Showtime. “He thinks he has the best light heavyweight? Gary Stark (Browne’s trainer) has the best light heavyweight. Gvozdyk, let’s go."

Oleksandr Gvozdyk (16-0, 13 KOs) is the current WBC light heavyweight champ -- and he just so happens to be trained by Atlas.

“I had no warning of it or expectation of hearing it,” said Atlas of Browne’s post-fight comments. "I was rooting for him that night, I was obviously surprised.

“As far as feelings or problems between us, there’s been none up until now that I’m aware of,” added Atlas. “I was happy for Marcus, I’ve known him for years. Someone coming out of the Atlas Cops & Kids Gym to have that kind of success, I’m happy so see someone was helped by it, another Staten Islander and a kid that I know.”

Though Atlas is currently in the midst of training Gvozdyk for eight weeks in California prior to a March 30 title defense against Doudou Ngumbu (38-8, 14 KOs), he admits he was impressed by his Staten Island associate.

“I thought Marcus was terrific,” said Atlas. “I feel good about the accomplishments of Marcus, but also the hundreds of kids who go into the armed services, cops and firemen who come out of the Atlas Cops & Kids Gym...I can’t tell you how proud I am of every one.”

Teddy Atlas and Marcus Browne working out at the Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Gym.

Will Browne ever get the fight he seeks with Gvozdyk?

“I only allow myself to think about and focus on what’s in front of me and my fighter,” said Atlas. “I try to focus on what I know is my responsibility and not be scattered in my thoughts. It’s too serious of a business for that and it would be unfair to my fighter."

For Atlas, there is no time for fooling around in the fight game, and he knows it.

“I’ve been in this business for 40 years, I’d rather not be surprised,” he explained. “We’ll keep our focus on what’s in front of us. That’s a sign of a professional and it’s the best approach."

Though Gvozdyk is considered the favorite heading into his next bout, nothing is guaranteed in the ring -- an aspect of the business that Atlas is well aware of.

“Nothing is automatic, it’s an unforgiving business and there’s few allowances for mistakes,” said Atlas. "You’re only as good as your last fight. The fighter knows what he needs to do, we plan to be completely prepared and ready for what faces us.

“I’m confident in this fighter, he’s a kid who’s very dedicated,” noted Atlas of Gvozdyk.

Nevertheless, Ngumbu is no slouch on the other side of the ring.

“There’s a fighter who wants to take our title in the ring with us, the focus is really just on that,” added Atlas. “Once we get passed that, we’ll see what Oleksandr has in mind and go from there.”