Legendary boxing icon Bernard Hopkins recently made headlines when he decimated the media for how they’ve been covering the ongoing saga between rising boxing stars, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. Provocatively, Hopkins also took the opportunity to dispense some valuable advice to Ryan, urging him not to fall victim to the mind games being orchestrated by the Haneys.
Hopkins, a veteran of the boxing industry who’s known for never pulling any punches whether inside or outside the ring, voiced his concerns over the tension escalating between Garcia and Haney. He expressed his belief that the media’s portrayal could be negatively influencing the mindset of both young athletes, particularly that of Ryan Garcia.
“The media is playing into their hands. They’re building up a narrative that could pressure Ryan into making a premature move. The Haneys are no dummies, they’re playing mind games,” Hopkins passionately explained in a recent interview.
The feud between Garcia and Haney has been a major point of interest in the boxing world, with the media keeping a close eye on the back-and-forth bickering and bravado between the two promising fighters. However, Hopkins warns that the media spotlight might be creating undue pressure, pushing for a match that may not be in the best interests of the athletes concerned.
He said, “I advise Ryan not to fall into the trap. Be clever. Don’t play into the mind games of the Haneys!”
A proponent of strategic planning and calculated decisions, Hopkins is known for advising young athletes to train well, not only physically but mentally. He feels that the pressures of the media, combined with what he describes as the ‘mind games’ by the Haney camp, could cause Garcia to make a decision based on emotion and not strategic planning. In such a situation, Hopkins believes, it would be Haney who stands to win.
As boxing fans may know, Hopkins himself was a master of psychological warfare in the ring. The kind who’d ‘trash talk’ his competitors into oblivion, but also maintained a disciplined, strategic approach to every fight.
The advice he offers Ryan is certainly coming from a place of experience and expertise. Hopkins is putting emphasis on the importance of mindset in boxing, and how falling prey to an opponent’s mind games could knock an athlete off their game plan.
Given his iconic status in the boxing world, Hopkins’ scathing take on the media and candid advice to Garcia has caused quite a stir. While some agree with his standpoint, others argue that banter and confrontations like the one between Garcia and Haney are part of the sport and bringing much-needed drama and excitement to boxing.
In spite of differing opinions, there’s no ignoring the fact that Hopkins’ words carry a weight of truth. As the situation between Garcia and Haney continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether Garcia will heed the advice of the seasoned fighter.
Regardless, Hopkins’ open critique of the media and cautionary advice highlights a significant concern in today’s media-driven sporting world. One cannot help but wonder how many other young athletes are being subject to such pressures, and whether this could potentially skew their actions and decisions on the playing field, or as in this case, in the boxing ring.
The attention it has generated, on the other hand, may inspire a more responsible portrayal of sports events and athletes in the future. One can only hope so.
