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Twist in the Tale as Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney Trilogy Collapses

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In the last few days, the fans have seen substantial developments in the Ryan Garcia–Devin Haney rivalry.

The duo has been at odds since their fight in the summer of 2024 after which KingRy was found guilty of using PEDs. The Victorville native faced a year-long suspension, followed by Haney’s battery, fraud, and breach of contract lawsuit filed against him. However, during the Ring Magazine Awards in London, His Excellency Turki Alalshikhstepped in and convinced the duo to reach a momentary ceasefire.

The Saudi Royal even convinced ‘The Dream’ to put a 90-day pause on his lawsuit against Garcia so they could settle their difference inside a ring. While Garcia and Haney agreed to a rematch, several reports came out suggesting plans for a trilogy. However, on Saturday, HE Alalshikh came out with a new update, putting an end to the trilogy rumors.

Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney Rematch Date Revealed But Will Only Happen Under One Condition

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HE Turki Alalshikh took to his ‘X’ to make a huge announcement regarding Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia’s future. He wrote, “It is easy…fight in may then the big rematch in October and in the same card we will try Teo against BOOTS,” confirming that the duo will fight different opponents on the same card in May followed by a rematch in October. His Excellency also revealed his plans for getting Teofimo Lopez vs. Jaron Ennis on the same card in October.

During the Ring Magazine Awards, HE Alalshikh made waves when he signed Ryan Garcia for a three-match contract. While many fans believed that the 24-1 fighter would make his comeback against Devin Haney, the post confirmed that the duo are pegged to fight different opponents on the same card in early May.

TURKI Alalshikh

His Excellency then put an end to the trilogy talks and claimed that the winners of the two main matches from the October card would face each other and losers would do the same in February 2026. “Then the winner against the winner and loser against loser in February…need to discuss with our partners top rank and matchroom and goldenboy and PBC 🥊🔥,” declared the Saudi Royal.

While the Chairman of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) confirmed that he needs to sort it out with the promotional company first, given his relations and sway in combat sports right now, it should not be a problem. While the Saudi Royal has not completely denied the idea of a trilogy, the new planned timelines make it rather impossible. Furthermore, only yesterday, the Victorville native came out revealing his next opponent to be Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, while indirectly taking a dig at Devin Haney who will be, according to reports facing former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez.

The 27-year-old took to his ‘X’ to reveal his likely opponent for his comeback fight in May. He wrote, “I’m bringing an explosive fight in my fight comeback. Pitbull has always been considered a tough opponent. Tougher matchup than Haney, tbh,” adding fuel to the already heated rivalry.

The matchup was surprising as earlier reports claimed that Garcia might be facing Teofimo Lopez. However, despite the change in opponents, Pitbull is still a tough competition and he might even defeat Ryan Garcia given his power and relentless pressure-fighting style. We saw how badly the Victorville native fared against powerful opponents like Gervonta Davis. If that fight is any indication, Garcia might have dug his own grave.

These fights are HE Turki Alalshikh’s vision of making the best fights possible regardless of the result. The Saudi Royal spoke about how he wants to follow the UFC model, where the best fighters keep fighting despite losing frequently. If that is the case, it might not matter if Ryan Garcia loses against the former WBA super lightweight champion or not. But if it affects his rematch with Devin Haney, then this might be his biggest mistake.

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BOXING

In Just 3 Words, Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Floyd Mayweather’s Boxing Ability

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Canelo Alvarez suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Floyd Mayweather.

The Mexican superstar took on Mayweather over a decade ago, with the two men meeting at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in September 2013.

Alvarez had just turned 23 heading into the bout, and was the reigning WBC super-welterweight champion, bringing an undefeated record of 42 wins and 1 draw.

Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Floyd Mayweather’s Boxing Ability Honestly In Just 3 Words

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Mayweather’s was WBA super-welterweight champion and his record was similar at 44-0, but at the age of 36 was at the tail end of his career, leading to some fans to believe that Canelo could be capable of inflicting a first defeat on the American.

The fight didn’t transpire that way though, as Alvarez struggled to deal with his legendary opponent, as Mayweather claimed the victory on points, though the scorecards were much closer than expected, with one judge even scoring it 114-114.

Having experienced 12 rounds with Mayweather, Canelo needed just three words to sum up what he thinks of his rival’s boxing ability whilst talking to the Full Send Podcast.

“He has everything.”

Canelo then revealed that while Mayweather may not have hurt him in the fight, it’s an area of his game that he didn’t need.

“He’s experienced, he’s so smart. He is a complete fighter. He doesn’t have power in the punches but when you are that kind of fighter you don’t need it.”

Mayweather would later retire with a perfect 50-0 record, while Canelo now holds a record of 62 wins, 2 defeats and 2 draws, with his only other loss coming to Dmitry Bivol in May 2022.

Alvarez is set to return to action later this year for a clash against fellow pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford. The boxing world has already begun offering their views on the fight, with former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder making his prediction.

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BOXING

Why Mike Tyson’s boxing career may not be over

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Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson could be back in the ring again soon despite losing to Jake Paul with a whimper in return to the professional ranks in November.

‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ saw his record drop to 50-7 with a third straight defeat, almost twenty years since his last bout against Kevin McBride. According to a man who had unlimited access to Tyson’s training camp, his friend Amer Abdallah, the youngest heavyweight champion’s ring career may not be over.

“As far as fighting [professionally] again, I don’t think that’s going to be something that he would consider,” Abdallah exclusively told WBN . “But at the end of the day, it’s Mike who is going to make that decision.

Mike Tyson workout

READ: Turki Alalshikh Sees One Opponent in Particular For Anthony Joshua

“Here’s one thing about Mike Tyson that I’ll tell you: Mike will make any decision that he feels is fit for his current situation. So, today, the answer might be no. But, next month, six months from now. The answer might be yes. It depends on what Mike wants to do and the mentality he’s in,” he added.

Abdallah said Tyson had been looking for a proper challenge for years for why he accepted a $20 million offer to face a 27-year-old influencer boxer opponent in Paul.

“He wanted the fight. And for the eight to ten weeks we were in training camp, he was busting his ass like he was 25 years old. He had that fire that he wanted to be in the gym. Discipline drove him to be there.

“I had the honor of being with him for the Roy Jones Jr card, and Badou fought just before Jake. Mike had fun in that fight. Maybe he’ll do exhibitions. It depends on what Mike wants to do. Mike does what he wants. He’s a living legend today. Whatever he’ll do, people will follow.

“Roy Jones at 52 years old, top 10 PPV events in the sport’s history. Then, Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul was the most viewed event of our time. Mike Tyson is Mike Tyson, man. He’s the guy,” concluded Abdallah.

Tyson was linked to a fight with Lennox Lewis before his poor performance at the AT&T Stadium. If the old rivals were to have a rematch, it undoubtedly would be under exhibition rules and not a serious fight.

However, despite the good numbers, Netflix would probably pass on any future Tyson events after being burned by the main event.

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TENNIS

Coco Gauff matches Serena Williams record with latest win

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Coco Gauff Serena Williams

Coco Gauff, 20, has reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, matching a record set by tennis legend Serena Williams.

The American player beat Leylah Fernandez for the second time in less than three weeks, securing her place in the last 16. Despite not playing her best tennis in Melbourne, Gauff has won every match so far without dropping a set.

With her 6-4, 6-2 win over Fernandez, Gauff made her 14th appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam. She has won all eight of her matches this season, joining a select group of just five players to achieve this, including Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Margaret Court, and Monica Seles.

Patrick Mouratoglou 'proud' of Coco Gauff and Serena Williams on Black Lives Matter - Eurosport

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Gauff’s match against Fernandez started slowly, with Gauff making 13 unforced errors on her forehand in the first set. She also struggled with double faults, but managed to win the first set and played more consistently in the second to seal the victory.

In the fourth round, Gauff will face Belinda Bencic, who has also reached the last 16 in Melbourne, just nine months after giving birth to her daughter, Bella. This is Bencic’s first Grand Slam since becoming a mother. She reached this stage after Naomi Osaka, also a mother, retired due to injury after losing the first set in a tiebreak.

Gauff and Bencic have played each other twice before, with one win each. Their upcoming match is expected to be an exciting battle for a spot in the quarter-finals.

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BOXING

Latest Update: Ryan Garcia Reveal His Next Opponent and It’s Not Devin Haney

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Ryan Garcia Devin Haney

Ryan Garcia says he will fight Isaac Cruz in his next fight in May following the conclusion of his boxing ban. 

Garcia was given a year ban after failing VADA tests for Ostarine against Devin Haney. He was prevented from boxing until April 2025 as his majority decision win was overturned. Garcia was adamant that he had not taken any substances intentionally. Meanwhile, his camp also argued that the amount in his system was insufficient to enhance performance. There have been talks over a Haney rematch, with reports that it could take place later in October.

Haney would have to drop his lawsuit, which he has done. Meanwhile, Garcia would be required to undergo VADA testing. Reports indicate that these hurdles have been overcome, with both sides agreeing to those stipulations. But before that can happen, Garcia must prepare for one of the biggest fights of his career.

Ryan Garcia Says He Is Fighting Isaac Cruz In May

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He had been linked with the Cruz fight before he faced Haney last April. But Cruz pulled out at the last minute as he later went on to face Rolando Romero. Cruz won the WBA Junior Welterweight Title with a stoppage win over Romero. But he lost the belt in his last fight, coming up short against Jose Valenzuela. A win over Cruz will likely help Garcia secure the Haney rematch. Haney is also on course to return in April on BLK Prime. Reports indicate that Adrien Broner is the leading opponent.

Garcia cannot afford to overlook Cruz, who only has two losses in his career. The other one was against Gervonta Davis. But he was praised for managing to go the distance against a knockout artist. Garcia knows he will be in a tough fight since Cruz is known for coming forward. He is also known for having a solid chin and durability, which has drawn him comparisons with Mike Tyson.

But Garcia will want to remind fans that he is a knockout artist, as he possesses a devastating left hook. If Cruz continues to move forward, Garcia will have a bigger target to aim for. It will also help prepare him for any Haney rematch since it will remove any ring rust that he may have suffered during his time out.

“Yes, In May. We’re going to be fighting there. It’ll be good. Another big fight. I’m ready to do it. Pitbull is still a great fighter. He may have lost one time [correction: 3 times], but fans love him. He’s a big f****. There were so many people in London, and they were all meeting with Turki. It’s nuts.

“Times Square, yes. Me and Pitbull were going to fight in many occasions. It never went down. I feel this is a fight that fans wanted for a long time until he [Pitbull Cruz] lost [to Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela on August 3rd]. I don’t think it should make no difference. He’s still an explosive fighter. Rayo boxed a great fighter, so you can’t take anything away from him either,” Garcia said

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BOXING

“I’m The Greatest Ever”: Heavyweight Legend Says His Record Proves He Was Better That Muhammad Ali

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Muhammad Ali

According to many, Muhammad Ali will go down as the greatest heavyweight, if not fighter, of all time.

Ali was a three-time heavyweight champion and was the undisputed ruler from 1974 to 1978. He faced the likes of Joe Frazier, Sonny Listen, and George Foreman during his 61 fight career.

His fight against Foreman, billed as ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’, is perhaps the most legendary night in all of boxing. Going into the contest as the heavy underdog, Ali showed off his famous rope-a-dope tactic until ‘Big George’ tired himself out and was stopped in the eighth round.

Ali-Holmes title bout: Once a mismatch, it'll be anything but - Sports Illustrated

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In his penultimate fight before hanging up the gloves Ali faced former sparring partner turned champion Larry Holmes. With Ali well past his best and, it was later revealed, medically unfit to fight, Holmes dominated from the opening bell and became the only man to stop the people’s champion from Louisville when he retired at the end of the tenth round.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Holmes believes his heavyweight record is second to none and that he, not Ali, should be considered the greatest of all time.

“Everyone said I was just a copy of Muhammad Ali, just because I idolised they guy, he hit, boxed, moved around and looked good, I like his style, I copied some of his styles, his jabs and moves and whatnot and I bettered it.

I don’t get the recognition that I should get, like a Mike Tyson. Hey listen, I had 20 title defences, Mike Tyson had three or four and lost, I was champion for seven and a half years, he was champion for seven months, they don’t want to recognise me. Ali don’t have the fight record that I have with defending the title, he didn’t hold his title for seven and a half years. Why can’t I fit in that box, why does Muhammad Ali have to be the greatest, he can say he’s the greatest, you can say he’s the greatest, but I know different, I’m the greatest.”

Aside from Ali, Holmes beat the likes of Gerry Cooney, Trevor Berbick, Earnie Shavers and Ken Norton during an incredible 75 fight career.

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BOXING

‘Impossible’ – Oleksandr Usyk’s weight switch now in doubt as Daniel Dubois’ hopes of rematch increase

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Oleksandr Usyk

Frank Warren believes Oleksandr Usyk’s potential move to cruiserweight is ‘impossible’, which could hand Daniel Dubois a lifeline.

Usyk cemented his name in the heavyweight record books with a second consecutive win over Tyson Fury last month to retain his unified heavyweight titles.

The Ukrainian remains undefeated and is running out of challengers, which has led to his ambitious plan to move back down to cruiserweight and launch a new assault on the division.

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He previously reigned as an undisputed king at the lower limit before making the leap to heavyweight in 2018, but at 37-years-old it remains unclear if he physically can cope with the demands of cutting.

Should he remain at heavyweight, IBF champion Daniel Dubois is keen to rematch Usyk, in a revenge bid after being stopped by his fellow king in 2023.

‘Dyanmite’ first has to beat Joseph Parker in a tough title defence against Joseph Parker on February 22, but Usyk has already verbally agreed to take the sequel.

And Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren now believes Usyk will stay in the division, in a huge boost to the chances of the second meeting taking place.

He told Sky Sports: “He won’t. See the size of him, it’s impossible.

“You’ve only got to look at the size of him, that’s not going to happen.

“For him, the winner of Dubois vs Parker is a big fight, a massive fight.”

Warren also expects proceedings to be much different if the pair meet again.

He added: “I genuinely still believe he would have beaten Usyk if it weren’t for what was going on in his head at the time with the referee.

“All that four-minute break. He would have jumped on him. “Was it a low blow?

“I don’t think it was a low blow, some people think it was. But the bottom line of it is four minutes when he [Usyk] wanted to fight himself and the referee said take more time.

“90 per cent of it is mental. It’s taken time. He’s had a couple of hiccups on the way but you look at the fights he’s had and what he’s done – he’s learned.

“He’s a very young guy. He’s matured mentally, which is really important. He’s got the skills.

“He’s comfortable with his trainer Don Charles, who’s done a brilliant job with him and this is his time.”

Usyk has the world at his feet, but is now 37-years-old and has nothing left to prove.

Dubois believes he does, given he dropped the champion with a controversial shot which was deemed a low blow, to his disgust.

But nonetheless he was unable to put the fight to bed and Usyk had dominated for large periods of the ring exchanges.

There aren’t many challengers left on the table for the recent undisputed king.

Jai Opetaia has also called for a high-profile clash, given he currently is viewed as the best operator in the cruiserweight division.

The Australian even intends to move up to heavyweight to pursue it, but it is unclear how long Usyk will remain active for.

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BOXING

Turki Alalshikh Sees One Opponent in Particular For Anthony Joshua

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Turki Alalshikh Anthony Joshua

Back in September, Anthony Joshua was hit with the most devastating loss of his career to date when he was brutally knocked out by Daniel Dubois in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.

Despite ‘AJ’ now being 35 years of age and clearly in the final stages of his boxing career, he remains one of the biggest names in the heavyweight division and there are still some fun and exciting matchups left on the table for him to explore before he hangs up his gloves.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, spoke with Matchroom Boxing earlier this week and named several heavyweight stars who could be in line to face his fighter next, as it now seems unlikely that a big all-British clash with Tyson Fury is off the cards after his most recent retirement. Then, boxing financier Turki Alalshikh whittled the shortlist down to one specific opponent.

Daniel Dubois Anthony Joshua

READ: Terence Crawford Explains Silence Over Gervonta Davis’ Shocking Jibe at His Family

Daniel Dubois

‘AJ’ has expressed interest in a rematch with Dubois after being KO’d in September

Shane McGuigan says Daniel Dubois could fight Joe Joyce, Kubrat Pulev or Dillian Whyte next

Even though Anthony Joshua was brutally knocked out by Daniel Dubois when they fought back in December, both ‘AJ’ and Eddie Hearn have been publicly pushing for a rematch. Despite Dubois coming away with an emphatic victory in the fight, Joshua had his moments and the fight was a great heavyweight slog and one of the most entertaining bouts in the division of 2024. A rematch between Joshua and Dubois would still undoubtedly draw huge in the UK market once again, but the latter has to get through Joseph Parker first, who will be a tough test.

Daniel Dubois’ professional boxing record (as of 16/01/25)
24 Fights 22 Wins 2 Losses
By Knockout 21 2
By Decision 1 0

Joseph Parker

Joshua gave Parker his first professional loss in 2018

Joseph Parker

Despite being consistently one of the best heavyweights in the world for the last decade, Joseph Parker is being hugely underestimated in his upcoming clash with Daniel Dubois. Parker may not be the biggest or most powerful heavyweight but he is tough, technical and hard to beat. Anthony Joshua handed the Kiwi the first loss of his professional boxing career in 2018 and there is a good chance he could attempt to get one back over Joshua if he is victorious against Dubois in February.

Joseph Parker’s professional boxing record (as of 16/01/25)
38 Fights 35 Wins 3 Losses
By Knockout 23 1
By Decision 12 2

Martin Bakole

Bakole teased a fight against ‘AJ’ in Africa on social media earlier this week

Martin Bakole

Martin Bakole may not be as well-known as some of the other names who have been mentioned to be in the running to face Anthony Joshua next, but the Congo native could be the most exciting matchup out of them all. Bakole, 31, is arguably the most powerful heavyweight in boxing right now but is technically very sound as well, so could be a tough matchup for the Brit. Bakole teased potentially fighting Joshua in Africa earlier this week on social media.

Martin Bakole’s professional boxing record (as of 16/01/25)
22 Fights 21 Wins 1 Loss
By Knockout 16 1
By Decision 5 0

Dillian Whyte

Whyte and Joshua were scheduled to rematch in 2023 but the fight was scrapped due to Whyte’s failed drugs test

Dillian Whyte

Could now finally be the time for Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte to rematch? The two Brits were set to fight once again in 2023 but the fight was scrapped due to a failed drugs test from Whyte. ‘The Body Snatcher’ is another fighter whom Eddie Hearn has mentioned who could face ‘AJ’ next, and it is fair to say that the hype for a rematch between the two would not be anywhere near as high as it was two years ago.

Dillian Whyte’s professional boxing record (as of 16/01/25)
34 Fights 31 Wins 3 Losses
By Knockout 21 3
By Decision 10 0

Deontay Wilder

Turki Alalshikh has expressed his desire to finally make Joshua vs Wilder

Deontay Wilder

As of right now, Anthony Joshua’s most likely next opponent is Deontay Wilder. The reason why Joshua and Wilder are likely to fight each other next is due to Turki Alalshikh’s recent comments, in which he expressed his desire to get the fight made if Tyson Fury follows through with his retirement plans. Similar to his situation with Fury, Joshua and Wilder should’ve fought years ago but despite the opportunity to have both men fight each other at the peak of their powers passing, the fight would still draw and people would watch it.

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder’s professional boxing records (as of 16/01/25)
Anthony Joshua Deontay Wilder
Fights 32 48
Wins 28 43
Losses 4 4
Draws 0 1
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GOLF

‘Word Got Out’: Charlie Woods Impact Laid Bare as His Frantic Search for a Breakthrough Continues

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Charlie Woods Tiger Woods

Who wouldn’t know the family of Tiger Woods?

Fans know every detail about the 15-time major champion. Be it his family, kid’s history, or his early life, fans read every available information. However, now Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, is in the same sports, fans are eager to see him play and expect the same results from him too.

Whether junior Woods has stood up to the expectations is still debatable as the amateur golfer is in the phase of turning professional. But what is sure is his impact on the events. Even with just his appearance, there is an enormous wave of fans that join in the junior-level golf tournament.

JUST IN: A Journey Inside Tiger Woods’ competitive genius

Talking on a similar line, the host of the AJGA tournament Will Lowery during the Par 3 Podcast shared about his debut. The host Stephen Malbon asked Lowery, “Talk about the North Carolina tournament. What is the tournament?” Sharing for which the former professional golfer shared his gratitude for getting the opportunity to host the tournament. He said, “I was fortunate enough to have a great relationship with AJGA. You know, Jason Etzen, and Stephen Hamblin, they allowed me to, you know, host the AJGA Tournament. I have North Carolina.”

Sharing further about the impact of Charlie Woods, he shared, “A buzz came last year, my second year when Tiger Woods’s son Charlie played in it for the first time. So that was his first-ever AJGA event. Word got out and that kind of, you know, skyrocketed, took off from there.” The impact of the 15-year-olds’ participation led to the success of the Will Lowery Junior Championship and that same impact can be seen in multiple events as well.

The event which took place in March 2024, saw security personnel and armed police protect Junior Woods from an overwhelming crowd. Even earlier, during the Cognizant Classic, the large number of fans swarming Woods affected his play. However, even though the fans in large numbers expect him to follow in the footsteps of his father. Some critics have addressed him as failing to fill in Tiger Woods’s shoes.

Being the son of the most successful golfer brings in expectations. Even at 15, people expect the amateur golfer to perform like his father, a feat he has struggled with. Starting from the 2024 season, junior Woods missed the cut at the Cognizant Classic and the U.S. Open qualifier for which he was positioned at the 124th position.

His struggle continued as he finished T103 at the Future Masters at Dothan Country Club with two rounds recording 73-76, respectively. The performance of Charlie Woods, when compared with Tiger Woods’s glorious career, will always feel less intimidating as he is in the phase of evolving as a junior golfer.

However, during his last appearance with his father at the PNC Championship, the 15-year-old had shut down the criticisms with his performance. He even recorded his first-ever hole-in-one, which was a great relief for the fans who were expecting the best from Charlie Woods.

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GOLF

A Journey Inside Tiger Woods’ competitive genius

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Tiger Woods Back Surgeries

The encouraging practice session presents a familiar golfer pitfall.

You know how it goes: hit it solidly on the range, march to the first tee brimming with confidence, then wonder why it all unravels on the course. I’ve written about this dynamic before, mostly because I’ve lived it.

The inverse scenario can be found in a story recently shared by the former PGA Tour player-turned-Golf Channel announcer Tripp Isenhour watching Tiger Woods on the range after a round at Torrey Pines in the mid-2000s. As Isenhour recounted, Woods struggled so much with his driver that day he put it away and started hitting an assortment of shots with a 6-iron: first way up in the air, then curving 40 yards in either direction, then some low bullets barely off the ground. When Isenhour asked why, Woods responded, “If this is where I am going to be tomorrow then I might need these shots.”

It was vintage Woods thinking two moves ahead. “That’s the reason why I’m a freaking announcer now and not playing the Champions Tour,” Isenhour, who is also the founder of TournamentMindset.com, elaborated by phone. “Because when that happened to me, my thought was, ‘Damn it, I gotta fix my swing.’ ”

U.S. Open - Preview Day 2

READ: PGA Tour forced to move Tiger Woods’ Genesis Invitational due to LA wildfires

By contrast, Woods showcased a mindset the clinical and sports psychologist Bhrett McCabe and I have been studying in recent months, including in a cover story we wrote for Golf Digest’s April issue after McCabe’s client Nick Dunlap became the first amateur in 33 years to win a PGA Tour event. The disconnect between the range and the course, for example, stems from a misconception that competition hinges on technical proficiency. I better be hitting it OK, we think, otherwise I’m screwed. But as Woods and Dunlap have shown, the real key is accessing what you can and compartmentalizing the rest.

This “Competitive IQ,” as we call it, can be found in a wide range of high performers in golf and beyond, rooted in three core principles: awareness, acceptance, and adaptability. More than just being “clutch,” the trait reflects an understanding of where practice ends and competition begins, and how to prepare accordingly.

“The Tiger story illustrates his ultimate superpower, which was he was always willing to look not at what he had as a definition of his ability to compete that day, but what he could do with what he had,” McCabe says. “He was able to compete and use his higher-level skills to compete against others who were often stuck in what we call the ‘competition paradox.’ When stress intensified, they reverted back to trying to control their mechanics and he didn’t. That’s what made Tiger great.”

With Woods at Torrey Pines, for instance, awareness was recognizing he didn’t have full command of his swing and needed to approach the final round differently. When he stuffed his driver back in the bag, that was acceptance; frustrated as he was with the club he decided this wasn’t the time to try to fix it. “That was a time where I saw someone say, forgive my language, ‘F– it. I’m not going to hit the ball that straight tomorrow, so I’m going to have to beat you from where I’m going to be,’” Isenhour said. Woods’ willingness to test a series of recovery shots that he’d likely need if he was spraying the ball off the tee was the same adaptability he had displayed throughout his career. Don’t forget this is the same golfer who won the ‘97 Masters by 12 shots, then decided to rebuild his swing once he determined he needed it to hold up better under pressure.

It’s telling that even the most talented golfer in history recognized where his talent had limits. Those of us who fail to sense how competition is different, meanwhile, often spin our wheels trying to find something temporarily out of reach, which exacerbates the problem. Why? Because Competitive IQ also factors in our hardwiring, and how it shapes our response to different situations. The responses themselves are rarely the problem. The problem is when we spend precious energy railing against elements outside our control.

 “Stress isn’t negative or positive. It’s just a demand upon the body,” McCabe says. “If we choose to believe it as a sign of weaknesses, we will spend our time trying to fix our mechanisms. If we look at it as a situation that we must respond to, we will then change our mindset to be in the moment.”

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