Staredowns

[Ben Bolt]

Are staredowns seconds before a fight really effective?

It’s said, it was in Sonny Liston’s case, and why Ali took the role of a lunatic at the weigh-in before
their first fight. To deprive Liston of that brief moment before opening bell, looking invincible.
“The only thing that could scare Liston in a ring, was a crazy man.”

One of my definite staredown fav is Braekhus v, Lauren.

[JAB5239]

I would say yes. The man who can look thru another man's soul will have the psychological advantage. Many examples of this in history with your own being one of the more notable.

[Ben Bolt]

I would say yes. The man who can look thru another man's soul will have the psychological advantage. Many examples of this in history with your own being one of the more notable.

And I guess, there are different ways to play the psychological game.
I liked how the old version of George Foreman handled it.
When his opponent went for a staredown, he ignored it, and looked very relaxed and confident.
It must have been frustrating to his foe.

What also pops up in mind is Larry Holmes’s “Let’s have a good fight” to Gerry Cooney after the
referee’s instructions. Another example of self-confidence addressed to the opponent.

[_Rexy_]

Overrated IMO. Ken Norton never looked a single fighter in the eye during the staredown.

[Nash out]

Overrated IMO. Ken Norton never looked a single fighter in the eye during the staredown.

I don't look into it too much, but it's still an interesting part of the pre match build up. When it's a guy like Norton, it's not going to tell you anything, but other people, it can do.

[Ben Bolt]

Ken Norton never looked a single fighter in the eye during the staredown.

And I rarely saw Tyson do it either. His reputation as a KO-hitter/madman
made it unnecessary.

[JAB5239]

And I guess, there are different ways to play the psychological game.
I liked how the old version of George Foreman handled it.
When his opponent went for a staredown, he ignored it, and looked very relaxed and confident.
It must have been frustrating to his foe.

What also pops up in mind is Larry Holmes’s “Let’s have a good fight” to Gerry Cooney after the
referee’s instructions. Another example of self-confidence addressed to the opponent.

Great examples and points!!

[Anthony342]

Overrated IMO. Ken Norton never looked a single fighter in the eye during the staredown.

Neither did Oscar De La Hoya.

[JAB5239]

Neither did Oscar De La Hoya.

Oscar if I remember correctly looked up toward heaven to his mother.

[Anthony342]

Oscar if I remember correctly looked up toward heaven to his mother.

Ah, so that's why he looked up.