Do fighters ever take a fight they think they will lose?

Every fighter that has taken a fight against Floyd!

 

Pac vs Mayweather

Many knew he couldn't win.... Bob certainly knew he wasn't going to beat Floyd.

 

It used to be the old school way of promoting yourself up the ratings, particularly in the days of only eight world titles, the idea being put up a good showing against a rated and known quality fighter, and fans would want to see you again ..and doors would open...

I cant help feeling that Frankie Gavin knows he is probably booked for an ultimately painful evening Against Kell Brook.... But if he can put up a respectable showing.. some exciting matches may follow so a good effort loss may act as a springboard to better things, instead of Treading water a Shortcut to Success Perhaps. - Certainly a Education that can perhaps be built upon,

 

Top fighters, contenders and prospects no. Journeymen and bums yes

 

Manny is looking for a rematch and I think everyone including him knows how that'll go.

 

The possibility of losing is always in a fighter's head, whether he's undefeated or not is irrelevant. Fighters know their sport better than anyone else and do understand the consequences of going into that ring better than everyone else too.

 

Top fighters and contenders do think about losing. Even if they portray an image of overconfidence it's merely an image designed to inspire and attract fans. Deep down inside, the possibility of falling victim to a loss is always there. No fighter wants to leave psychologically damaged because he never thought it was possible for him to lose. In general I'd say, yes they do think about losing. However, there are always different cases. Take Hatton for example, the depression and psychological mess he fell victim to after Mayweather was a clear result of him fully expecting a victory. Worse happened after his loss to Pacquiao due to the general nature of that loss and actual outcome(KO 2).

 

:good The same happened to Foreman after losing to Ali. He was very depressed a couple years after.