Hopkins' mind game was to STFU - let Team Pavlik's overconfidence grow!

I truly believe mind games have their effects, especially when you are sooo good at it as Bernard Hopkins. The disturbing arrogance before the Tito fight, all the racist BS to make Calzaghe come right at him and stun him, the DLH mind games etc...


This time the mind game was simply to shut his own mouth, let the writers, fans and Team Pavlik do the stupid math: Hopkins is 43, ran out of gas vs. Calzaghe, he's over the hill, can't keep up the pace, defense is not so good, just spoiling all the time, 17 years of age difference, Pavlik is a huge physical force Bernard can't deal with etc. etc. All Bernard did was to give a lot of respect for Pavlik and both Loew and Kelly believed that The Ghost is truly more than a one-dimension slugger therefore put enough pressure and Hopkins will melt.

The overconfidence grew and grew and it wasn't 'how to beat the tricky ring master in the ring' anymore - but 'how to take him out for the first time?'

And then after all the silence and smile Hopkins gave the confusing aggressive look at the weigh-in, IMO making Pavlik feel very uncomfortable...

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Did you hear anything on Hopkins' shape, Plan A, B, C? He kept his 100% form in secret. No Freddie Roach, no Mackie Shilstone, quiet at the conferences, quiet at the camp. But something huge was building up in the gym! And when the bell sounded, he went right at a totally confident Kelly Pavlik and stunned him right in the very first round. Perfect game plan. Perfect fight. Great deal of stamina, speed and power.



90% was decided in the ring. IMO being silent and let Team Pavlik and the sport of boxing grow overconfidence did a very important 10% part.

Spot on? Bull****?
Discuss!

 

Well... you clearly overlook the mental warfare then... it's part of the game. Why would Hopkins pull all that **** if it wouldn't mean anything? :think