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[2023-12-27 Wed 19:51]
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(Dweck, Carol S., 2008) mentions that Muhammad Ali 'boxed wrong', and he was not a natural. He did not qualify in the 'conventional' sense of what supposedly made a great boxer, based on his physical dimensions as well as his style of boxing.
However, he beat opponents based on superior intellect and strategy. His brain was described to always be in a 'perfect working condition' by some trainers. I think this translates into a certain mindset and attitude towards his chosen craft that let him transcend his deficiencies.
On the fight with Sonny Liston, who was in contrast, deemed a 'natural' boxer known for his legendary power; Ali said that he had read up everything about Liston, including his manner of thinking outside of the boxing ring. At night, Ali would try to put together all the things he had learned and try to form a picture of how Liston's mind worked.
As of today, we think back and shoebox Ali into a 'great fighter' forgetting the deficiencies that he had, and how he strove to overcome them.
Despite cognizance of the hard work and effort that it takes the folks to perform at the level of a genius - most folks still tend to prize the idea of 'natural and effortless talent'.
Perhaps, it is born out of wishful thinking, as well as a 'fixed mindset', in the sense - such an achievement would be possible only through a god given talent, rather than unglamorous, back breaking, and consistent hard work.
Perhaps this quote summarises what he meant about studying SonnyListon? and his preparation:
The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights. - Muhammad Ali
Other quotes from Wikipedia:Muhammad_Ali
I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want. - Muhammad Ali
I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' - Muhammad Ali
My trainer don't tell me nothing between rounds. I don't allow him to. I fight the fight. All I want to know is did I win the round. It's too late for advice. - Muhammad Ali