George Foreman absolutely annihilated Joe Frazier in one of the most terrifying performances the sport of boxing has ever seen.
On January 22, 1973, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, two of the greatest to ever do it, went head-to-head in what was branded ‘The Sunshine Showdown’.
At the time, ‘Smokin Joe’ was considered almost invincible. The legend had an undefeated 29-0 record, and had previously beaten Muhammad Ali.
But when he set foot through the ropes to face ‘Big George’, he quickly found himself in a world of trouble.
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George Foreman destroyed Joe Frazier in a marvelous display
With the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles on the line, George Foreman came out determined to make his dreams come true.
Upon feeling the power, Joe Frazier began to bang his gloves together, determined to work his way into the fight. But when an uppercut connected in the first round, he was sent tumbling toward the canvas.
The champion tried to ride out the storm, but when a second uppercut connected, he found himself on the floor once more.
Bravely, Frazier rose to his feet, before yet another uppercut sent him spiraling towards the ground.
Luckily, the bell rang, saving him from a first-round stoppage. But what Foreman had in store in the second segment, was just as frightening.
As the icon attempted to run away, the Texan detonated a thunderous right hand, to score the fourth knockdown, before the fifth came in the form of a left hook.
Exhibiting awe-inspiring self-belief, Frazier got up one last time, before he hit the canvas for the sixth occasion following a right hook, which prompted the referee to jump in.
George Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer to become oldest heavyweight champion in history after being pushed by Teddy Atlas
For many, the Frazier victory was the best of Foreman’s career. However, others believe the power puncher’s win over Michael Moorer was even greater.
After losing to Jimmy Young, George Foreman experienced a spiritual awakening and became a preacher.
He then started a youth and community center, which fell upon financial struggles. In order to keep it going, the boxer made a comeback, which resulted in him becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history at the age of 45.
And in the lead-up to the bout, Moorer’s coach, Teddy Atlas, shoved Foreman.