Role of Faith in Boxing

A boxer's beliefs play a huge part in his career. When a fighter doesn't believe he can win, he begins to resemble a mouse in a snake's cage. He circles the outside of the ring in fear of his opponent's inevitable attack. But what about a fighter who believes that the creator of the world is on his side? This belief has been held by many great champions. Still, most sports reporters avoid discussing religion.

A-rod's relationship with Madonna is more publicized than his relationship with Joe Girardi, but religion is usually an ignored aspect of an athlete's personal life. Nevertheless, many legendary fighters like George Foreman and Muhammad Ali were more than willing to express their views to the public. Other fighters were religious, but kept their beliefs more private. After researching the faiths of various fighters from a secular perspective, I found that religion has had a surprisingly large and interesting impact on boxing.

Searching for religious boxers, I had to look no further than two of the most famous and charismatic people to ever step in the ring- Ali and Foreman. Ali's religion continuously shaped his image and career. He missed three years of fighting in his prime by refusing the draft for his beliefs, which he continued to express despite the controversy behind the Nation of Islam group that he belonged to. When Ali regained his title by beating Foreman, he credited his faith as a source of power when he proclaimed,

"I proved that Allah is god, Elijah Muhammad is a messenger, and I have faith in them, and regardless to the world and the pressure…if you believe in him… even George Foreman will look like a baby." [1]

Foreman's religion also caused him to leave the sport, and later served as a source of strength. Sitting in the dressing room after losing a tune-up for an Ali rematch, he experienced a hallucination that caused a spiritual awakening:

"So as I laid on the table, I'm coming back into my body; and I told one of my doctors to move his hand because the thorns are making me bleed on his hand. And blood started running down my face. And I told the other one to move his hand because on my hands and on my feet there was blood. All of the places where Jesus had blood when he died." [2]

Foreman believes that God demonstrated his might and tested his faith by showing him death, which informed him that his new life mission was to serve god as a minister. Like Ali, Foreman attributes his faith for bringing him success in his comeback, which he discusses in his book, "God in My Corner"

"Though less noticeable, religion also has a presence in the lives and careers of recent boxers. Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya pray for the well being of themselves and their opponents before fights. Floyd Mayweather thanks god for his success, and Hasim Rahman is a devout Muslim who prays five times a day. [3]

One interesting find is that there are many similarities among fighters who converted to Islam. Muhammad Ali, Mathew Saad Muhammed and Dwight Qawi were all Muslim converts, and changed their names shortly after winning their first world titles. Bernard Hopkins, Qawi[4] and Mike Tyson all converted to Islam while in Jail, and attribute some of their success to the discipline and wisdom that they attained from their new faiths. Both Hopkins and Qawi lacked amateur careers but flourished as steal chinned over achieving under-dogs. On the other hand, Tyson, a decorated phenom, left jail declaring that his faith in Ala would ensure future success, but this was after his loss to Douglass, and therefore any other significant achievements.

One unique quality with many of these religious boxers is their ability to win legendary upsets. Hasim Rahman provided the greatest of upsets made by fighters mentioned above by knocking out Lenox Lewis as a 20-1 underdog. Ali twice shook the world by beating the 7-1 favorite, Sonny Liston, and ten years later against Foreman. Many were perplexed by Foreman's return to boxing after a ten year layoff, and his reclamation of the world title at 45 was unheard of. Even James "Buster" Douglas used his religion to fuel his confidence. After defying the 42-1 odds against him, he said: "I wasn't afraid of the man; I fear no man because I believe in god."  [5]

Recent studies by sports psychologists explain how fighters' religions empower them to recreate David and Goliath triumphs. Various psychological studies recognize that religious beliefs and rituals help people overcome stress. Studies also show that worship allows athletes to self reflect, bringing greater meaning and motivation to their careers. In fact, some athletes see their victories as a way to serve god's glory, further validating their mission. This mindset would be especially beneficial for a boxer in order to justify his intentions to inflict pain on his opponents.[6] One less arguable effect of religion is that it promotes a lifestyle that is conducive to a fighter's success. A traditional Jewish, Muslim or Christian lifestyle discourages breaking laws, or abusing drugs and alcohol.

Regardless of one's beliefs, the positive effects of religion on a boxer seem undeniable. With the dangers and challenges associated with boxing, a belief that there is a higher force on one's side could only help rationalize the risks that boxers take. A strong faith in the divine provides boxers a psychological edge by creating confidence and poise. These benefits may have been key components to some historic victories. You may not see fighters pray on TV, but their beliefs have an ever-powerful presence in their lives and careers.  So what do you think?  If you agree or disagree, let me know and post your view in the boxing column.

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[1] “Rumble in the Jungle” 10/30/1974

[2]  ”The Religious Affiliation of George Foreman
Heavyweight World Boxing Champion,” Adherents.com, 2/14/06 <http://www.adherents.com/people/pf/George_Foreman.html:/  >.

[3] “The Rock’s 20 Secrets,” BBC Sport, 4/23/2001, BBC, 7/08/2008, .

[4]“Dwight Muhammad Qawi” Box Rec, 6/27/2008 .

[5] Heller, Peter Bad Intentions: The Mike Tyson Story (NY:Da Capo Press, 1995) 375.

 

[6] Watson, Nick J. “The Use of Prayer in Sport:
Implications for Sport Psychology Consulting” Athletic Insight 2/12/2005 AI, 8/12/2008 <http://www.athleticinsight.com/Vol7Iss4/PrayerinSports.htm>.