Though many people feel strongly that George Foreman more than deserved the decision after his 12 rounds with Shannon Briggs in November of 1997, “Big George” in fact lost the final fight of his illustrious career, or careers.
In some ways, though he lost the fight, what an aging yet still very much proud and determined George Foreman was able to do in his fight with Evander Holyfield deserves more praise than the amazing feat “Big George” pulled off in regaining the heavyweight crown by knocking out Michael Moorer.
Fight historians have called it, ‘ the quintessential George Foreman performance.’ Fight fans ranging from young to old have said only a once-in-a-lifetime legend like a Muhammad Ali could possibly have beaten this version of Big George.
It’s a fascinating Dream Fight with a most dreamlike quality: George Foreman Vs. George Foreman! Foreman, as we know had two incredible ring careers, from 1969 to 1977, and then, as an “old man,” from 1987 to 1997.
When you take a look back at the early fights in George Foreman’s unlikely, often ridiculed (at the time, not later) comeback, it’s easy to see why so many critics felt the former heavyweight champion had almost no chance of regaining the crown, or of beating Mike Tyson.
By Stephen Campana: “Those whom the gods would destroy they first raise up.” —a variant of a famous quote from the Ancient Greek tragedian Euripides
Every generation has one.
Heavyweight legend George Foreman saw to it that HBO’s coverage of world championship boxing got underway with one heck of a bang.
Though the fight was much maligned, and though plenty of experts refused to take the fight seriously going in, the heavy, accurate and eye-catching piece of punching George Foreman delivered in knocking out Gerry Cooney in the 2nd round of their pay-per-view fight sure got “Big George” respect.
Happy birthday “Big George” Foreman. The living legend turns 72 today. Here is a look back at one of his most epic fights.
…Ring Magazine Call It The Fight Of The Year: Zepeda Vs. Baranchyk
If a fight that lasts just five rounds has no less than eight knockdowns featured, you know it was just that – a FIGHT.