The Role of Superstitions in Boxing: Do Rituals Really Matter?
By Billie Sloane
Boxing is a sport defined by discipline, grit, and meticulous preparation. But look closer, and you’ll see another side to it—a world of quirky superstitions, pre-fight rituals, and deeply held beliefs that shape a fighter’s mindset long before they step into the ring. Are these rituals essential psychological armour, or are they simply comforting habits in a chaotic sport? For some fighters, superstitions and routines have become as indispensable as their gloves.
In boxing, superstitions aren’t just amusing quirks; for many fighters, they’re non-negotiable parts of their preparation. From avoiding certain colours and showering bans to specific pre-fight meals and music choices, these rituals seem trivial but hold immense power in the minds of the fighters. But do these habits really impact performance, or are they just part of the sport’s colourful culture?
Mental Edge or Mental Crutch?
Rituals in boxing often stem from a desire for control and consistency in a world where one punch can change everything. Fighters use rituals as tools to ease anxiety, enhance focus, and solidify their belief in a positive outcome. Derek Chisora once shared in an IFL interview, “If I do the same things every time, my mind’s at ease. I don’t have to question if I’m ready because I’ve done my routine.” In the high-pressure environment of boxing, this sense of control can make all the difference.
But when does a harmless routine become a rigid crutch? For some fighters, the ritual becomes essential to their confidence. Anthony Joshua once reflected, “I don’t think you can rely on rituals. At the end of the day, it’s about the work you put in.” Joshua’s words hint at a critical point: If a fighter’s mental strength is so fragile that it hinges on wearing the right socks or listening to a specific song, is that confidence real, or is it merely borrowed from the security of their rituals?
Superstitions in Action: The Bizarre, The Personal, and The Legendary
Boxing history is filled with some truly unique superstitions that fighters believe help them achieve victory. Take Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns as an example. He religiously had his hair cut before each fight until his trainer, Emanuel Steward, began to question if it was doing more harm than good. Before a rematch with Sugar Ray Leonard, Steward actually bribed Hearns’ barber to stay away, convinced that not cutting his hair would bring back Hearns’ strength—a decision Hearns followed, leading to one of the best performances of his career.
Similarly, Julio Cesar Chavez adopted the practice of wearing a red bandana to the ring after hearing that his rival’s mother had put a “hex” on him before a 1987 fight. A red headband was given to him as a talisman against the supposed curse. He wore it to victory, and from then on, the bandana became a standard part of his fight attire—a potent symbol that he was protected against ill will.
Other fighters believe in the protective power of certain objects. Jake “The Raging Bull” LaMotta insisted on wearing a leopard-print robe, convinced it brought him luck, while Stanley Ketchel wore a beaten cap he’d had since his days riding the rails, believing it kept him safe. Then there was Barney Ross, who wore the same robe throughout his 17-year career after winning the 1929 Golden Gloves—its familiarity and past success instilling in him a sense of strength.
The Rituals of Modern-Day Fighters
Rituals are alive and well in the modern boxing world. Floyd Mayweather Jr. famously insists on entering the ring last, convinced that it ensures he has the upper hand. In training camps, he’s known to stick to strict dietary rules post-weigh-in, consuming vast amounts of steak, pasta, and vegetables to fuel up—a routine as specific as his movements in the ring.
Johnny Fisher celebrates every win with a Chinese takeaway delivered to his dressing room, while Derek Chisora makes a habit of sharing burgers with his opponents post-fight—a quirky ritual that also humanises the brutal sport, symbolising mutual respect. Then there’s Dennis McCann, who eagerly awaits his post-fight Haribo sweets, a little treat to mark a job well done.
These rituals, though light-hearted, serve a purpose beyond mere tradition. They provide comfort, a sense of reward, and something to look forward to after the stress of the ring. Yet, they raise an important question: Are these superstitions just harmless fun, or do they have real psychological benefits? And when fighters rely too heavily on routines, are they, in fact, compromising their adaptability?
Pre-Fight Routines and Strange Quirks: More Than Just Fun and Games?
For many fighters, rituals extend beyond clothes or snacks. The late Joe Louis and trainer Freddie Roach shared a habit of putting on their left glove and shoe first. Roach admitted, “If I put my right on first, I might have a bad day. I won’t risk it.” Many fighters won’t shower on fight day, believing it washes away their focus and edge; legendary champions like Roberto Duran and Marvin Johnson famously avoided showers for days leading up to bouts.
Even in the dressing room, rituals abound. John Molina Jr. insists on punching each corner post—his own and his opponent’s—upon entering the ring, while Joe Mesi tucks a necklace from his brother and grandmother into each sock, convinced these objects provide an extra layer of protection.
Then there’s the choice of song or pre-fight soundtrack. Many fighters play a specific song or podcast in the dressing room to put them in the right mindset, a psychological primer that signals it’s time to fight. As Eddie Hearn noted in a recent IFL interview, “These little things might seem minor, but to fighters, they’re reminders of home, of normality. They bring calm in a storm.” The power of these seemingly small details can be immense, creating a sense of familiarity and control that can be the difference between feeling ready and feeling overwhelmed.
Do Superstitions and Rituals Bring Fighters Comfort?
For many fighters, superstitions and rituals are about more than luck—they’re about finding comfort and stability in the high-stakes world of boxing. In the lead-up to a fight, when emotions run high, these routines can provide a sense of calm and control. Fighters use these rituals to build up mental strength, reminding themselves that they’ve done everything in their power to prepare.
There’s also the aftermath of a fight. For fighters who win, their superstitions gain even more significance, reinforcing their belief in the ritual. It’s an unbreakable psychological link—victory validates the ritual, which in turn bolsters their confidence going forward. And in defeat, these rituals can act as a small consolation, a way to control the uncontrollable. For some, they even serve as an excuse or a form of “scapegoat”: “If I didn’t stick to my routine, that’s why I lost.”
These habits, no matter how trivial they may seem, can be mentally grounding. When facing the unknown and the brutal demands of the ring, a small ritual—whether it’s a pre-fight snack or a red headband—becomes a reminder of something familiar, an anchor in an otherwise chaotic world.
Harmless Habits or Handicaps?
There’s no denying that rituals, habits, and superstitions are part of the boxing world. These quirks are fun to observe and add colour to the sport, but they often carry a psychological weight far beyond their practical function. Some routines provide fighters with a sense of control, creating a brief moment of grounding before they step into the unknown. For others, though, these habits can become rigid, limiting flexibility and causing stress when things don’t go as planned.
So, do boxing rituals truly matter? For some fighters, they’re harmless, bringing a sense of order to an unpredictable sport. For others, these rituals reveal a deeper vulnerability—one that might become a mental crutch. What happens when a fighter is so wrapped up in their routine that a disruption shakes their confidence?
As fans, we see fighters as pillars of strength, but these superstitions remind us of their humanity. Maybe that’s what makes boxing, and its strange rituals, so fascinating. The pre-fight quirks, the worn robes, the cherished objects—they’re all part of a greater mental game.
As Eddie Hearn put it in an IFL interview, “Boxing’s not just physical. It’s so mental, and these little rituals—these quirks—they bring fighters something grounding. It’s their way of holding on to stability in a sport that’s anything but.”
What do you think? Are boxing rituals simply part of the game, or do they carry too much weight? Are quirky pre-fight habits and superstitions just fun, or do they reveal something deeper about a fighter’s mindset? Share your thoughts.