US heavyweight boxers George Foreman and Muhammad Ali pictured during their famed 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight.
Image: DPA / Picture-Alliance via AFP
GEORGE Foreman, a name synonymous with power, resilience and longevity in the world of boxing, will forever be etched in history as one of the all-time greats.
With an impressive professional record of 76 wins, including a staggering 68 knockouts from 81 bouts, the late Foreman’s legacy transcends the ring.
His journey to the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing featured some of the most iconic bouts in the sport's history. Sports writer John Goliath looks at five of his most memorable bouts that solidified his stature as a boxing icon.
On January 22, 1973, Foreman met Joe Frazier for the heavyweight championship of the world. In what was his first shot at the title, Foreman showcased his fearsome punching power by knocking Frazier down six times in just two rounds. Foreman won the fight with a TKO, announcing himself on boxing's biggest stage as a force to be reckoned with.
The clash on March 26, 1974, pitted Foreman against the highly skilled Ken Norton. Known for his defensive prowess and resilience, Norton was seen as a big test for Foreman's brutal punching power. However, the fight turned out to be an anti-climax, as Foreman claimed victory in the second round with a ferocious knockout blow.
Perhaps the most celebrated bout in boxing history took place on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, as Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in a match known as the "Rumble in the Jungle”. Foreman entered the fight as the reigning heavyweight champion, radiating confidence. Yet Ali’s unorthodox "rope-a-dope" strategy turned the tide. After enduring relentless punishment, Ali capitalised on Foreman’s fatigue, knocking him out in the eighth round and reclaiming the heavyweight title.
After returning to the ring the year before after a long hiatus, Foreman faced the undefeated Evander Holyfield for the heavyweight championship on April 19, 1991. The 28-year-old Holyfield was all over Foreman for much of the fight. But the 42-year-old dug deep and relied on his punching power to keep him in the match. The bout ended up going the distance, with Holyfield winning via the judges’ decision.
On April 22, 1995, the ageing but enduring Foreman defended his IBF heavyweight title against German contender Axel Schulz in Las Vegas. Even past his prime, Foreman managed to go toe-to-toe with Schulz for the majority of the fight, before securing a controversial split decision victory.