Atlas, Psychology and Deliberately Contrarian Predictions
Posted: 02 May 2009, 03:34
I know Teddy Atlas isn't everyone's cuppa Bwoklyn Cwoffy, but I really like him, because he's interesting and erudite.
The other reason I like him is because he was 100% certain that Pacquiao was going to beat DLH. Why? Well, it's all that psychology stuff that Cus drilled into him. He said that basically, DLH is a superb fighter who manages to find a way, somehow, to screw up his biggest fights. He said, basically, that it was in his mental make-up, and he would do it this time. Then, when the weigh-in came. Atlas said, "there you go, he did too much and came in too light." Sure enough, DLH found a way, and Pacquaio had won.
Now, for this fight Atlas has outlined the psychological side of things thus: Pacquaio cannot get any bigger than DLH. That made him a true icon, and sent him into the stratosphere. Perhaps Hatton, while a big fight, is like the fight after the Lord Mayor's Parade. Even if he loses, he's fulfilled his dream -- and that, says Atlas, can be dangerous.
Hatton, on the other hand, he says, was ashamed of the way he lost against Mayweather, and that can either have the effect of bringing doubts or as a driving force. He was also impressed with coming into camp in better shape.
Now, obviously Atlas isn't a pro shrink, but I think in a world where the fight as been analysed to death, this is refreshing and something new to chew on.
A word of warning, though: Atlas has openly admitted that he's "doesn't like making easy picks" and that he knows Pacquiao is the favourite, but wants to "build a case" for Hatton.
Anyway, I just thought I'd give you chaps some more cud to chew while we sit in the shivering, sweaty anticipation of a smack head about to get a hit, waiting for Fight of the Year.
As always, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions if you or any of your IM Force are caught or killed.
The other reason I like him is because he was 100% certain that Pacquiao was going to beat DLH. Why? Well, it's all that psychology stuff that Cus drilled into him. He said that basically, DLH is a superb fighter who manages to find a way, somehow, to screw up his biggest fights. He said, basically, that it was in his mental make-up, and he would do it this time. Then, when the weigh-in came. Atlas said, "there you go, he did too much and came in too light." Sure enough, DLH found a way, and Pacquaio had won.
Now, for this fight Atlas has outlined the psychological side of things thus: Pacquaio cannot get any bigger than DLH. That made him a true icon, and sent him into the stratosphere. Perhaps Hatton, while a big fight, is like the fight after the Lord Mayor's Parade. Even if he loses, he's fulfilled his dream -- and that, says Atlas, can be dangerous.
Hatton, on the other hand, he says, was ashamed of the way he lost against Mayweather, and that can either have the effect of bringing doubts or as a driving force. He was also impressed with coming into camp in better shape.
Now, obviously Atlas isn't a pro shrink, but I think in a world where the fight as been analysed to death, this is refreshing and something new to chew on.
A word of warning, though: Atlas has openly admitted that he's "doesn't like making easy picks" and that he knows Pacquiao is the favourite, but wants to "build a case" for Hatton.
Anyway, I just thought I'd give you chaps some more cud to chew while we sit in the shivering, sweaty anticipation of a smack head about to get a hit, waiting for Fight of the Year.
As always, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions if you or any of your IM Force are caught or killed.
DD