Few fighters have demonstrated the same level of punching power that George Foreman did in his career.
Possessing incredible strength, Foreman seemed to effortlessly dispatch opponents during his career. From Foreman relentlessly knocking down Joe Frazier, to an uppercut knockout of Gerry Cooney, ‘Big George’ was one of a kind.
Despite his infamous loss to Muhammad Ali, which Foreman had complaints about, he had an immensely successful career. This included Foreman becoming the oldest heavyweight champion of all time.
To make this history, however, Foreman had to show the world his abilities in his 40s.
George Foreman stopped Pierre Coetzer at age 44
After an unsuccessful world title attempt against Evander Holyfield, Foreman looked to work his way back to a title opportunity. Within a year of the loss, he claimed two wins over Jimmy Ellis and Alex Stewart.
To make it three wins in a row, Foreman looked to Pierre Coetzer. Fighting in Nevada, in January 1993, the South African Coetzer had a professional record of 39-4, with two of his losses coming to Frank Bruno and Riddick Bowe.
Despite Coetzer being 13 years younger than Foreman, it would be a one-sided performance from the veteran.
Foreman scored a knockdown in the fourth round, as a thudding left hook and right hand connected with his opponent. However, the South Africans recovered from the blow.
As Foreman continued to land heavy punches on his visibly damaged opponent, he looked to the referee, seemingly saying that the fight should be stopped. However, the referee let the action continue.
A one-two combination from Foreman would put Coetzer down again in the eighth round. Remarkably, the fighter would recover from the knockdown to continue the fight.
However, shortly after the restart, more punches from Foreman would cause the referee to intervene, stopping the fight.
The win was the 72nd win of Foreman’s career. As for Coetzer, it would be the final fight of his career.
- READ MORE: George Foreman won four out of five ‘Fight of the Year’ awards in a row before taking career break
George Foreman’s win over Pierre Coetzer set up world title fight
Now with three wins in a row, Foreman’s win over Coetzer would set up a world title opportunity. In June 1993, Foreman would fight Tommy Morrison for the vacant WBO World Heavyweight title.
The title was up for grabs as Michael Moorer vacated the belt.
Morrison had a professional record of 36-1, with his sole loss being a failed world title attempt. However, as Morrison prevented Foreman from making history, he was victorious in his second try.
Winning the bout via unanimous decision, Morrison halted Foreman becoming the oldest heavyweight champion. Instead, ‘Big George’ would earn the accomplishment against Moorer almost 18 months later.
Morrison would defend his title once before being defeated by Michael Bentt in October 1993.