Froch v Groves II: 10 Big Things We Hope Happen

10. Mind Games

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDZKYPcX5qc The goal in using mind games is to gain a psychological edge over the opposition before the event: ahead of the first fight, George Groves used it to his advantage as Froch couldn't control his temper and was quickly knocked down in the first round. In boxing, if your mindset is to go out and turn your opponent into a pulp it is invariably a recipe for disaster, because there is no place for emotion in the ring. Mike Tyson, the most vicious heavyweight in the sport seemingly went out to destroy his opponent, leaving no remorse, but that image was not the reality: Tyson's lack of height meant he was often a counter-puncher who bobbed and weaved, known as the peek-a-boo style to knock out fighters. He won because he boxed clever, not angry. This time around during the first press conference of the highly anticipated rematch, George Groves solved a Rubik's Cube in two minutes whilst Froch was hyping the fight. An hour later Froch lost his temper and shoved Groves away after Groves whispered the words, "hold it together Carl" throughout the day. In the build up towards the rematch Groves has done everything he can to wind up his opponent, including dragging him towards the ground after the two shook hands, only for Froch to do the same. It seems Froch's choice of seeing a sports psychologist has been one of the wisest choices he has made in the feud as he seems more relaxed and focused and has dealt impressively with Groves's mind games so far.
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