Few men in history have been able to deliver knockout blows quite like George Foreman.
With a whopping 68 knockouts to his name, even some of the greatest heavyweights of all time couldn’t take blows from Foreman.
From Foreman making history against Michael Moorer to defeating Joe Frazier despite ‘Big George’s’ fear of the fighter, not many could resemble the achievements of the great.
Although the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ with Muhammad Ali and Foreman’s war with Ron Lyle can come to mind when people think of the former champion’s best performances, many other bouts are overlooked.
This includes an incredible knockout victory in 1990 over a former world title challenger.
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George Foreman faced Gerry Cooney in 1990
Foreman had made his return to boxing in 1987 following a 10-year absence from the sport. Making up for lost time, ‘Big George’ had 19 fights in just over two years, winning 18 by knockout.
The remarkable run showed that Foreman had not lost any of his elite power since taking a break in 1977. Then, his 20th fight after the career break would see him take on former world title challenger Gerry Cooney.
Cooney was 28-2 in January 1990 when he faced Foreman. The only two losses for Cooney came in a failed attempt at the WBC World Heavyweight title against Larry Holmes, and a TKO loss to Michael Spinks in 1987.
However, in what would be the final outing of his career, Cooney would fall short against the in-form Foreman.
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George Foreman earned a second-round knockout over Gerry Cooney
Foreman and Cooney would meet in Atlantic City in January of 1990. Foreman was 41 years of age on fight night, looking for his 65th professional win.
Despite being eight years younger than his opponent, Cooney would not be able to deal with the power of Foreman.
Although Cooney was the more active fighter in the opening round, the second would spell the end for the fighter. Finding the mark in the second round, Foreman began to score damage on his opponent.
The first knockdown for ‘Big George’ would come courtesy of a series of punches that seemingly had his opponent out on his feet momentarily.
Cooney would survive the count, however, he would not continue in the bout for much longer. The first punch thrown after the restart would be a lead uppercut from Foreman, freezing Cooney in his tracks.
Although Cooney looked to be on his way to the canvas already, a follow-up shot from Foreman would ensure it, winning by knockout.
The following year would see ‘Big George’ unsuccessfully challenge Evander Holyfield for a world title, and 1993 would be when Foreman lost to Tommy Morrison in another shot at the belt. However, he would eventually reclaim a heavyweight belt in 1994 against Moorer at age 45.