The subject of fear in boxing is one that has been traditionally taboo, almost as if admitting to experiencing it is tantamount to a confession of weakness and/or cowardice.
The projection of invincibility has been a vital part of a fighter’s emotional and psychological arsenal since the sport began.
Hitherto, the only prominent figure in the sport to openly discuss the fear that all fighters struggle with as they prepare to step into the ring was Cus D’Amato, the legendary trainer of Floyd Patterson and Iron Mike Tyson.
SYLVIA HIKINS recommends a fascinating, revealing, superbly acted evening of theatre
When Patterson and Liston met in the ring in 1962, it was more than a title bout — it was a collision of two black archetypes shaped by white America’s fears and fantasies, writes JOHN WIGHT


