Hypnotization In Boxing

Not really a big deal for me. Generally boxers of a decent standard are in peak physical condition and its their mental strength that makes the difference. Some fighters are born mentally strong, some may feel they need a helping hand to get them in the right frame of mind.

For me its just one of many ways to help a fighter get in the right frame of mind. Like visualisation, relaxation techniques, mind games with their opponent.

Didn't Frankie Gavin's opponent the other weekend go to Uri Geller?! I won't have a bad word said about Uri mind, he single handedly broke our London hoodoo at Arsenal when we hadn't won in the capital since about 1842!

 

Nigel Benn could have gotten himself killed against McClellan, what he did with Paul McKenna went beyond any simple act of hypnotism. Listening to Benn after the fight talking as though there were two Nigels in the ring that night, the imaginary Nigel who got hurt and the real Nigel who didn't and who was in control, was frankly scary.

 

I don't think i've actually seen the interview, i'll have to have a look at it.

Its a very good thread because it is quite a controversial area, and i can sort of see it from both points of view. To me tho its just a way for a fighter to train their mind, much like they train their body in camp leading up to a fight.

As i said earlier, for some fighters their physical peak and knowing that they've pushed themselves to the limit and done all they possibly can physically in camp is enough for them mentally. They know they couldn't have done anymore so mentally they're very strong going into the fight. Others who maybe aren't so naturally strong mentally feel that just physical shape isn't enough and feel that they need a little more focus and help for their state of mind.

Very interesting topic tho, looking forward to hearing the general consensus on this one. Got a feeling it might divide opinions....

 

If hypnotizaton effects your pain barrier surely it should be classed as an unfair advantage to hold over your opponent.Your mind is more powerful than any drug so I don't think it should be allowed.

 

Its all about mindset, you don't mind and it don't matter...:yep

Who wants it the most, that's where it counts...:good

 

I strongly believe that mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity - either during a contest or after losing one.... is a very important part of an elite sportsman/woman. I'd go a step further and say it almost defines their career.

Examples.....

Kelly Holmes.

Extremely talented athlete, however one that suffered a shocking string of injuries at the wrong time. A lesser character would have chucked it in, but she made every effort to get herself as fit as she possibly could be, and ended up doing what no other British athlete has ever done - the 800/1500m double..... whilst past her best at the age of 34.

Steve Redgrave

Overcome diabetes to win five Olympic golds in a row.

Tim Henman

Clearly a good (if one-dimensional) tennis player, but one that froze on the big occasion, for a variety of reasons, public expectation being one of them. On his big chance when all the higher ranked players had bombed out, he goes and loses to grandad.

The England football team

Nuff said!

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I don't see it as a big deal. 99% of athletes will do something that is legal if they believe it will help them. To many this sort of thing is a load of mumbo jumbo anyway, though I think there's a bit of something in it.

 

Who remembers Glen Hoddles faith healer...:think

When Ray Parlour went in she said to him what can I do for you and he replied "Can I have a short back and sides please...!"...

Glen Hoddle hit the roof...:happy :happy :happy

 

Yeah - Hoddle went way too far by having compulsory sessions.

She said she removed demons from Gazza..... funny how they all returned the moment Hoddle told him he wasn't going to the World Cup (IMO he was right to sack him) and have been there ever since.

If I was the manager of a group of players I'd certainly encourage having a padre around, someone for the players to speak to in private if they had any issues.