Former World middleweight champion Andy Lee says a fighter must have a selfish mindset when he makes the walk to the ring.
The Irishman spoke on this afternoon’s OTB’S Saturday Panel ahead of tonight’s heavyweight bout between Tony Bellew and David Haye.
Lee says a fighter a fighter must starve himself of any emotion, and take on a clinical, cold and focused approach in order to perform at the best of his ability. The former WBO middleweight champion says it limits the pressure that a fighter faces whilst preparing for the walk to the ring.
“You have to be clinical, you have to be cold, and you have to be calculated in there. The moment you try to feed off emotion, it never works out. It puts extra pressure on yourself,' said Lee.
The southpaw says it's an internal struggle that is a hugely emotional experience for the fighter, and one the fighter must overcome in order to boost confidence.
“You’re building yourself up and making it an emotional thing. It is hugely internal. When you get there, you just need a clear mind, and just be thinking: ‘I’m going to kill this guy,’
The Limerick man says people outside the combat sports realms may not understand the need for a fighter to channel their emotion in this manner.
Lee reiterated that by adopting this clear, focused mindset the fighter gains confidence from wholeheartedly believing in their ability.
"For the average person listening they might find it unusual. I think that’s just a fighter’s mentality. You have to be like that 'nothings going to stop me."
You can watch the full interview above on our Youtube channel
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