George Foreman remains as popular now as he was during his long boxing career.
‘Big George’ still holds the record for being the oldest man to ever lift the world heavyweight crown at 46 years and 169 days when he beat Michael Moorer in 1994. That came in a second spell in the ring having taken 10 years out to work as an ordained Christian minister.
Before that and 50 years ago this month, he had an epic battle with Muhammad Ali in the iconic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in 1974 which handed him his first loss having beaten then-undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973 with a second-round knockout.
Speaking to Graham Bensinger and having fought some of the most iconic names in the sport such as Ken Norton and Evander Holyfield, Foreman was asked how he felt about Floyd Mayweather claiming that he is the greatest ever.
“Anyone can consider themselves the greatest that ever lived. All you have to do is say it, just say it, it doesn’t mean anything.
Mayweather evidently draws a lot of attention. It seems that he is the guy that everyone wants to see beat up. And you don’t want to live with that. It doesn’t matter how much money you get, you just don’t want that.”
He was asked if there were similarities in the public’s dislike of Mayweather and their dislike of Foreman during the first part of his career.
“The difference between Floyd Mayweather and George Foreman is Floyd can really box. He’s skilful. All I had was one punch. If I hit you with it I’d take you out. If I missed you, you win on decision.”
