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Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman and Sun Tzu’s Art of War
He didn’t mention Sun Tzu, but when Muhammad Ali discussed his boxing match against George Foreman,
I heard a Sun Tzu strategy clear as day.
Mr. Ali said he didn’t do what he is usually known for during the 2nd round of the match, which is dancing and fast footwork around the ring. Instead, he stayed against the ropes, which is usually an indication that a boxer is in trouble and doing badly.
Foreman continued to swing with full might and his best punches, because his confidence was inflated. Foreman thought what everyone was thinking at that time: it looked like Ali was going to be an easy knockout.
The reality was far different.
This is one of Sun Tzu’s strategies. So now I’ll break down the strategy and the psychology behind it.
The goal is to make your opponent believe you are weak when you are actually strong, whether equally strong or stronger. Your opponent’s confidence will inflate and there are two possible reactions.
