George Foreman is often dubbed as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
‘Big George’ still holds the record as the oldest world heavyweight champion in the history of boxing, a feat he achieved in November 1994 when he claimed a tenth round knockout victory over Michael Moorer to unify the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.
In a glittering career, Foreman is perhaps remembered the most for that iconic showdown with Muhammad Ali, billed as ‘The Rumble In The Jungle’. The heavyweight icons went face-to-face in Zaire in an event that is now written into boxing folklore. It was ‘The Greatest’ who came out on top, stopping ‘Big George’ in the eighth round and handing the then undefeated Foreman his maiden career defeat.
After his initial retirement from boxing in March 1977, the Olympic champion made a sensational return to the sport 10 years later, marking the beginning of a comeback which would see him make history and become the oldest holder of a heavyweight title.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Foreman revealed a conversation he had with Ali where his former rival pre-warned him about a potential clash with Mike Tyson, urging him to avoid ‘Iron’ Mike at all costs.
“Mike Tyson could hit man, even Muhammad Ali who had not faced him, when I told him I was coming back he said ‘George, that Mike Tyson can hit.’ That’s punching power there.
He said ‘George, Mike Tyson hits so hard.’ He said it with a little more action with his words than just hard. It was like a warning ‘don’t do that George.’”
A bout between Foreman and Tyson never materialised, as ‘Big George’ walked away from the sport for the final time in November 1997 at 48 years old, after suffering defeat at the hands of Shannon Briggs.
