The former heavyweight champion was able to shock the world in 1994 when he faced Michael Moorer in Las Vegas.
Finishing his career with a record of 76-5, Foreman is a true icon of boxing and has one record that may never be broken.
‘Big George’ made his debut in 1969 and would incredibly not have his last professional boxing match until 1997. Resulting in a 28-year career, his longevity helped establish himself as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Known for his finishing ability, even fellow legend Tony Bellew named Foreman as the biggest puncher he has ever seen.
Despite his lengthy career and competing in over 80 professional fights, Foreman was only stopped one time in his career when he met Muhammad Ali in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’.
However, one of boxing’s greatest achievements belongs to Foreman, who earned the accolade in the latter part of his career.
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George Foreman became the oldest-ever heavyweight champion in 1994
In 1993, Foreman was given the opportunity to fight for the vacant WBO World Heavyweight title versus Tommy Morrison. However, Foreman would not be able to reclaim world heavyweight glory as he lost convincingly on points.
Aged 45, Foreman was unlikely to capture another heavyweight title in his career. However, he would be given an opportunity to do so in 1994.
Despite his loss to Morrison, Foreman was set to compete for the IBF World Heavyweight Championship in his next fight. he would come up against Michael Moorer, who had defeated Evander Holyfield in his previous bout.
Remarkably, Foreman and Moorer would share the ring with a 19-year age gap. However, despite being almost two decades his senior, Foreman knocked out Moorer in round five.
The incredible knockout would make Foreman the oldest-ever world heavyweight champion at 45 years old, a feat that may never be replicated or bested.
The record-breaking night for Foreman was not his last appearance either. ‘Big George’ would fight another four times, making him 48 years old in his final outing versus Shannon Briggs.
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George Foreman became heavyweight champion despite a 10-year absence from boxing
Becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history is one feat, but it is all the more impressive considering the 10-year break Foreman took from the sport.
In 1977, Foreman lost a unanimous decision to Jimmy Young, the second loss of his professional career. Following the bout, fans would have to wait 10 years to see the former champion compete again.
After going through what Foreman described as a near-death, spiritual experience in the dressing room after the Young loss, Foreman retired from boxing.
Within his 10-year absense, Foreman became an ordained minister at his church, dedicating his life to religion to find a new purpose. “For 10 years, I didn’t even make a fist,” Foreman said.
However, in 1987, Foreman would return to the sport of boxing. Facing Steve Zouski in Sacramento, ‘Big George’ would come back with a bang, securing a fifth-round TKO.
A man reborn, Foreman would go on to have an incredible 34 professional fights after his 10-year hiatus, including his record-breaking knockout over Moorer.