Tyson V Spinks is a classic example. Khan looked petrified in the ring-walk against Brook. Also, apparently Patterson against Liston I think?
Liston in the Patterson fights. Floyd later admitted that even though he knew for a fact Ali was the much, much superior fighter to Liston, he'd rather have entered the ring against him anyday than with Liston again.
Hi Guys. Bruno crossing himself 10 times during the ring walk. Reporter " have you ever seen a ghost walking " Paycheck also on the ring walk. Norton had no conception he could beat Foreman. Quite a few of Listons opponents I would argue. might think of some more, when I have woken up properly ! stay safe guys, chat soon. Mike.
Mugabi was an intimidator when he was on his run. I also think Hearns and Vitali Klitschko were terrific at it. They just stand their ground and watch the opponent closely. But that opponent knows this guy is well prepared and in shape and a hitter. And they always seemed a lot larger than their opponents. It had to be very difficult looking at Hearns at 147. He was like 2 divisions higher it seemed. Not so much intimidating, but I always really liked Commander Vander at the introductions---focused and ready and in top condition.
I wonder how many fighters have ever said “I was too intimidated, that’s why I lost, his power scared me his boxing etc”
Actually a fight where I’d actively start to be concerned was Bakole vs J Anderson? Did you catch that bout? - Anderson just sort of punched at the end of his reach most of the time, body, head etc he didn’t want to step in proper and really shoot a shot while cement footed Bakole just stood there… menacingly, not really blinking, heavy bag like tanking it, JA threw away a bunch of body jabs… which are probably the least useful punch in boxing IMO but it looked funny so whatever lol.
Eubank Snr complained both before and after the fight, that Collins being hypnotised to not feel pain gave him an unfair advantage. I don't think it's what won Collins won the fight and it's not "intimidation" in the conventional sense, but it's as verifiable, in the literal sense, an example of mind games impacting the psyche of a combatant as we likely we have.
Langford Fitz Dempsey Pep SRR Ike Williams Joe Louis Marciano Liston Mantequilla Ali Frazier Foreman SRL Hagler Tyson Lewis RJJ Duran Hearns Cuevas Benn Many many fighters with reputations, demeanour or the realisation of what they bring to the table have won fights based on intimidation to some degree. You see it every time a fighter's winning instinct gets punched out of them and they visibly resign to trying to survive and avoiding putting it all on the line to win.