George Foreman battled his way through two of the greatest eras in heavyweight boxing history, but failed to secure a showdown against one man in particular along the way.
The Texas-native turned over as a professional back in June of 1969, just months on from his success at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City which saw him capture a super-heavyweight gold medal.
With thunderous punching power at his disposal, Foreman established himself as a legitimate contender in no time at all. He achieved world honours for the first time at the beginning of 1973 when he dethroned WBC and WBA heavyweight champion Joe Frazier.
After suffering a shock defeat to Jimmy Young in 1977, ‘Big George’ would take a ten year hiatus from boxing, although he would eventually return and begin part two of his professional career.
He wrote his name into the history books in 1994 when he stopped countryman Michael Moorer in the 10th round of their Las Vegas showdown to become the oldest heavyweight champion ever, a record that is yet to be broken.
Whilst he shared the ring with many legendary heavyweights during his storied tenure, there was one man that Foreman did not face before his retirement, although he did come very close.
Speaking in a resurfaced clip, ‘Big George’ spoke about a potential clash against countryman Larry Holmes, which he claims would have been the ‘best fight of all time’.
“We’re having a good time travelling around the country promoting a boxing match but nothing is gonna happen until we get in the ring. You not gonna see one punch thrown, not even one little anger inch of it until that bell rings and then once we get in that ring you’re gonna see the tigers come out.
“We’re just trying to get out there and let the whole world know that you’re gonna see the best fight of all times.”
Foreman and Holmes had been due to face each other during the 1990s, although the planned bout between the legendary heavyweight duo did not come to fruition after a number of financial disputes could not be resolved.
Holmes reigned as world heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1985, with his career ending in 2002 with a final record of 69 wins and 6 defeats.
