George Foreman is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in the history of boxing.
In a glittering career that began in 1967 and ended 30 years later, he faced a host of great heavyweights in this time, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Evander Holyfield.
He also holds the record of being the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history, a feat he accomplished in November 1994 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in the tenth round of their bout, claiming the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles at 45-years-old.
Despite facing an array of heavy handed heavyweight fighters throughout his career, ‘Big George’ has spoken out and named the one man who trumps them all.
In a feature with the Ring Magazine, Foreman names Ron Lyle as the one man who hit harder than the rest.
“Ron Lyle, this guy hit me so hard that it didn’t even hurt. Joe Frazier caught me with the left hook but he couldn’t hit like Lyle and although Muhammad knocked me down I was exhausted and still got to my feet. Lyle was the hardest hitter.
The thing about Lyle was he was completely unafraid and challenged me at ring centre. Nobody, other than Sonny Liston in sparring, stood and punched it out with me with any success. Joe Frazier only tried once and even the great Muhammad Ali couldn’t back up quick enough. Ron Lyle would not back up.”
Lyle’s showdown with Foreman in 1976 was awarded ‘Fight of The Year’ by the Ring Magazine, a contest which saw ‘Big George’ hit the canvas twice. Lyle also challenged Muhammad Ali in May 1975, falling short in his first and only challenge for the world heavyweight championship.
