George Foreman is held in high regard as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
The monstrous puncher from Houston, Texas had a storied professional career that stretched 30-years, beginning with him capturing an Olympic Gold Medal at the 1968 games in Mexico City.
‘Big’ George went on to win the world heavyweight championship on two occasions during his tenure, suffering defeat just a handful of times in 81 professional outings.
His loss to Muhammad Ali, in an event that was billed the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’, remains one of the most memorable nights in the sport’s history.
The strength and power of Foreman proved to be no match for Ali’s infamous ‘rope-a-dope’ style, which earned ‘The Greatest’ a historic eighth round knockout victory over his heavyweight rival in Zaire.
Speaking on social media, ‘Big’ George shared his thoughts on what the outcome would have been in a rematch with Ali, claiming ‘The Greatest’ would have found a way to win whatever he did.
“Once in the ring with the great Ali was enough for me. If I’d changed my approach back then he’d [have] another plan. Nothing beats some fighters but time.”
Ali went on to make a successful run of world title defences following his over Foreman, which included wins against Joe Frazier and Ken Norton. Ali lost five times in a glittering career that ended after he began to suffer ill-health in the early 80’s.
Defeats to Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick were met with outrage from the public, after there were claims that the contests should never have taken place in light of Ali’s deteriorating health problems. ‘The Greatest’ passed away in 2016 after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
