Five Memorable “Psych Jobs”
Boxing is an inherently psychological undertaking. It is an activity that exposes the contestants to far more than the simple prospect of defeat: the potential combination of public humiliation and genuine physical harm percolate in a fighter’s mind to a degree that few who have not lived the experience can reasonably quantify. Far from being a mere test of physical skills then, boxing is perhaps one of the purest tests of human will power. Some of the biggest contests in boxing history have therefore been won or lost through cunning, bravery and fortitude as much as they have speed, strength and stamina.
With George Groves and Carl Froch recently providing a fascinating insight into the pivotal role that pre-fight mind games can play as their super middleweight title showdown approaches, here I take a look back at some classic examples of when fight-psychology played an important part in big championship fights. Read more 
Boxing’s Top Ten, “Pound-for-Pound”
Below is my take on the hypothetical ranking of boxing’s elite…
1. Floyd Mayweather
Surely the only position in the rankings not up for debate. Incredibly, Mayweather’s opposition seems to be getting better the older he gets. This is likely due to the big bucks thrown at his feet by cable TV company Showtime’s expensive drive into the boxing market, but let’s not complain. Mayweather already has fifteen years as an undefeated world champion behind him. There is little chance of him being knocked off this perch until that run ends.
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Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Critics Keep Moving the Goal Posts to Greatness
For any boxer starting out his career, to become a champion is the ultimate goal. For those that succeed in becoming a champion, the next step is to become a great champion. Boxing enthusiasts are a hard bunch to please though, and the “great” label is a tough nut to crack. It is a label made even harder for fighters to attain by critics who choose to move the goal posts, even when a champion has excelled above and beyond his peers in those aspects typically used to define “greatness”. Floyd Mayweather is one such victim. Read more
Froch-Kessler: 50/50? Let’s Find Out
It’s being billed as a true “pick’em” fight, and yet it seems few are going out on a limb to put their money on the great Dane. Let’s see if a boxingphilosophy straw poll can clear things up a bit…
Carl Froch: “I’ll Make You Famous”
“Are you gonna give me a ring about this training then or what?” called out the coach, across the noisy gym through the swinging bags.
“You give me a ring – and I’ll make you famous” shot back the fighter, over his shoulder as he strolled nonchalantly by, without breaking a step.
It was 2001. The boxing club was Nottingham’s Phoenix ABC; the trainer was Dale McPhilbin, and the fighter was Carl Froch. He was about to turn professional. Read more
Matt O'Brien
Boxing Philosophy 