Big George Foreman, a 28-year pro career – granted with a 10-year hiatus from 1977 to 1987 – two world title reigns, 81 contests, and 68 knockouts thrown in for good measure. Foreman’s journey in boxing was a heavyweight rollercoaster, from winning the title in 1973 to losing it in 1974 before remarkably regaining it in 1994.
With big wins and some losses along the way, George Foreman took life lessons from all of his experiences in the ring. It wasn’t easy to narrow it down, but here, in my humble opinion, are the ten most memorable George Foreman fights.
10. Foreman vs. George Chuvalo, August 4, 1970, Madison Square Garden, New York
In his 22nd professional bout, Foreman was given a step-up test. Chuvalo had been around the block a bit. At 32 years old, he had shared the ring with Buster Mathis, Joe Frazier, Oscar Bonavena, and Muhammad Ali.
If Foreman was to be regarded as championship material, he needed to beat Chuvalo in good fashion. Foreman delivered the goods on the night, beating the solid-chinned Chuvalo into a bloody mess before the referee halted the slaughter in the 3rd round.
9. Foreman vs. Joe Frazier 2, June 15, 1976, Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale
The two old foes rematched their 1973 bout. For Foreman, it was his second bout back after losing The Rumble in the Jungle to Muhammad Ali. For Frazier, it was his first outing since losing the grueling Thrilla in Manilla, also to Ali.
As it turned out, Foreman wasn’t a good matchup for Frazier. Like their first fight, as soon as Joe felt the power of George, his resistance wilted. It took until round five, but Frazier was down. Trainer Eddie Futch got on the ring apron and demanded the referee call a halt to the action to save Joe from any further punishment. Foreman TKO 5.
8. Foreman vs. Jimmy Young, March 17, 1977, Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan, Puerto Rico
This would be the night Big George would suffer his second career defeat. It would also be the last time he boxed for a decade. Foreman exhausted himself in the ring trying to lay powerful shots on the tricky Young. He couldn’t do it and dropped a unanimous decision.
After the bout, Foreman suffered some kind of heat exhaustion-induced hallucination. He took it as a sign from God. He decided to stop boxing. He decided to dedicate his life to the church.
7. Foreman vs. Steve Zouski, March 9, 1987, Arco Arena, Sacramento
One decade after the Young defeat, Big George was back. Having run into some financial problems, Foreman dropped 33 pounds off his retired 300-pound frame and gloved up against journeyman Zouski. Saying he dreamed of regaining the heavyweight crown, a curious crowd of onlookers bought tickets to see what the ex-champion had to offer.
Foreman looked like a fighter who had taken a decade off. Despite that, he scored a 4th-round TKO over the 32-year-old Zouski. After the fight, critics said Foreman’s comeback would go nowhere.
6. Foreman vs. Ken Norton, March 26, 1974, El Poliedro, Caracas, Venezuela
This was Foreman’s second defense of the title he won from Joe Frazier in 1973. It was a tough one on paper, as Norton was coming off of two fights with Ali: one narrow win, one narrow defeat. Caracas, Venezuela, hosted after a deal was agreed to waive all taxes on the fighters’ earnings.
Foreman was 39-0 at this point and looked unbeatable. While Ali had struggled with Norton, Big George had no problems – dispatching the future hall of famer in the second round. Foreman sent Norton to the canvas on three occasions before the fight was halted.
5. Foreman vs. Tommy Morrison, June 7, 1993, Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
Foreman’s comeback had been a success; all that was missing was a championship belt around his waist. This bout against Morrison was Foreman’s second chance to achieve his dream as the vacant WBO strap was on the line.
Morrison showed respect for Foreman and his power by fighting in a cagey style. He employed plenty of movement and potshotted his way to victory. Despite booing from Foreman’s supporters, Morrison won a wide unanimous decision. Would George get another chance to win the title?
4. Foreman vs. Evander Holyfield, April 19, 1991, Convention Center, Atlantic City
Foreman was 24-0 on his comeback. That run of wins led him to Atlantic City and a crack at undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield. At 42 years old, Foreman wasn’t given much chance against the much younger champion.
He lost a unanimous decision but impressed many with his showing. In defeat, George had won plenty of respect. His comeback campaign would continue.
3. Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali, Stade du 20 Mai, Kinshasa, Zaire
With its catchy title, The Rumble in the Jungle, and exotic location, this would be many people’s choice for the most memorable George Foreman fight. Foreman, who looked unbeatable up to this point, was expected to beat Ali in Zaire. Ali had another plan.
Ali could empty George’s gas tank by adopting a risky rope-a-dope strategy, staying on or close to the ropes, and inviting Foreman to attack him. While Foreman sought to land his lower punches, Ali blocked many with his arms.
The bout reached the 8th round, and Ali launched a devastating attack of his own. The challenger landed a right hook, followed by a five-punch combination, which left Foreman defenseless. Ali then connected with a hard right, which put the champion down. Foreman rose to his knee, but the referee had seen enough. Foreman had been beaten for the first time in his career.
2. Foreman vs. Joe Frazier 1, January 22, 1973, National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
A 37-0 start to his pro campaign earned Foreman a shot at the title. 29-0 Joe Frazier was the undisputed champion. At this point, Frazier looked unstoppable. Big George was the man to stop him. On a famous heavyweight night in Jamaica, Foreman floored Frazier three times in the first round and three times in the second.
“Down goes Frazier again,” yelled ringside commentator Howard Cosell, almost in disbelief. He and the rest of the world had to believe it, though. Frazier had been beaten. George Foreman was the new heavyweight champion of the world.
1. Foreman vs. Michael Moorer, November 5, 1994, MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Despite the setbacks against Holyfield and Morrison, Foreman kept his comeback going, firmly believing he could still regain the heavyweight title. His night of redemption would come two decades after he lost the title to Ali in Zaire.
Foreman was 45 years old on fight night; Moorer was 26. The younger man dominated the bout with his jab, scoring consistently against the older, slower Foreman. It only takes one punch, though, and George found it.
In the 10th round, Foreman had some joy and, having slowed Moorer a bit with a body shot, he was able to detonate a right hand on the champion’s jaw. Moorer tried to get up, but his motor skills had deserted him. The count reached ten, and he was still on the floor. Two decades after losing the title, and at 45 years old, George Foreman was once again the heavyweight king.
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