Pages

Thursday, June 17, 2010

A Lesson in Intimidation

I recently watched the 2009 documentary "Tyson."  It consists of about 90 minutes of interviews with former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson.  In a sport full of strange stories and stranger personalities, Tyson stands above most.  A former hoodlum as a teenager, the last prodigy of the legendary trainer Cus D'Amato, a savage and ferocious finisher in the ring.  Convicted rapist, one of the youngest champions to ever live, a father, and a man who's rise and fall were as dramatic as any combatant in the sport's history. 

This video below was one of the most powerful scenes in the film, and it is worth a watch even if you are not a boxing fan.  Tyson describes his emotions and mindset as he gloves up before a fight, to the long walk from locker room to the ring, and obligatory stare-down of his opponent across the squared circle.  There has not been a more intimidating presence in the sport since Sonny Liston ruled the heavyweight division.  Watch this and you'll see what I mean.


4 comments:

Juliana said...

jesus

Trouble said...

"Once i'm in the ring i'm a god. No one can beat me"
Mindset is huge - that's half the battle. If not more.
I could totally take this guy.

Martin said...

Ju - Well-said.

TT - You absolutely can. My money is on you.

Anonymous said...

Good thing he intimidates with his eyes instead of his voice...