Agree or disagree with prof's boxing blog, 'n readers' comments?

The link is broken.

 

Im a big believer in the psychological aspect of boxing and preparing the mind and body spiritually by direction and belief. Ive been around some crazy trainers too, but noone stressed it more than Teddy Atlas that Ive been around.
Atlas can come off as a loon, but I buy into a lot of his philosophies on boxing. The problem with him is if he has a weak minded fighter, it ruins them. If he has a strong willed one, they can overcome a lot.

 

Thanks, it works now. Great article.

Well said.

 

"In much of Eastern philosophy ... the body is considered inseparable from the mind." Great article, J. It seems that fighters, or athletes in general that have this facility are more fluid. If movement is generated by a signal from the mind to the body, it would seem that the less obstructed that signal the faster, smoother, and more responsive the movement. I'm very interested in the connection between personality, in the big sense of the word, and ring performance. For instance, how can you watch a guy like Ali or Pep and not know that however physically gifted, their movement was also a result of mental speed and grace? Conversely, when you watch a novice trying to learn all the minute techniques one by one, and then try to put them together so they come out not robotic, but as one technique, I think you see this theory in action; the mind is accepting a new movement into its catalog of movements, like a child learning to eat with a fork or tie his shoes.

 

I believe the mind controls everything. It can fool the body at its most vulnerable state to walk through a brick wall.

 

I'm sure you've seen this in the gym, right? Where a fighter through sheer will overcomes a stubborn flaw in his game. Ever see the opposite, where physical facts just proved to be too much for him? Or is it just a question of making the most of what a fighter has?

 

Definitely seen the opposite. Usually results in a guy taking a short nap on the canvas.

 

Thanks for the laugh

 

To the other point, yes I believe its about bringing out the best a fighter has to offer. It doesnt always result in a win. We've seen plenty of examples of fighters who fought with a lot of character and will, even in losing efforts, and also the contrary where they showed character they had never shown in winning efforts.

One that sticks out in my mind, is Paul Vaden vs Vincent Pettway. Vaden was clearly having difficulties mentally doing what was necessary to win the title. He just couldnt bring it out even though he was a better fighter than Pettway. Vaden was doing just enough to lose the fight.
Finally with 30 seconds left in the 12th round, you could see he overcame his insecurities and he unleashed a combination that stopped Pettway and he won the title.

Look at a guy like Arturro Gatti or Mickey Ward, limited guys who could be beat into submission and you couldnt break their will. Guys like that could accomplish more than a gifted fighter like Vaden, because of their mental toughness.

 

Very interesting stuff, thanks. I guess when a fighter has both, alotta skill and alotta heart is when we get the great ones.

 

Definitely! You cant be mentally weak and be great in my opinion.