George Foreman opened up about the fighter that punched him so hard it sent vibrations through his entire body.
In his esteemed career, the boxing legend cemented his status as one of the biggest punchers the sport has ever seen.
The American compiled a fantastic resume. In his greatest display, Foreman dropped Joe Frazier six times in two rounds, in one of the best performances of all time.
While the bout was relatively easy for him, he still tasted his rival’s ferocious power. However, as explosive as ‘Smokin’ was, ‘Big George’ doesn’t rank the legend’s power in the top three of everyone he faced.
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George Foreman says Gerry Cooney punches harder than Joe Frazier
George Foreman has gone to war with an array of heavy-handed fighters.
But of all the icons he’s shared the ring with, when it comes to punching power, three men stand out from the pack.
During an interview with Letterman, he explained: “I’ve had over sixty boxing matches, you only meet three genuine punchers throughout your career — Gerry Cooney, Ron Lyle, and a kid I worked with by the name of Cleveland Williams.
“They hit so hard it vibrates your body. Even if you block it, it goes right through you.”
Intrigued, the host pushed Foreman to elaborate on Cooney’s punching power, to which the warrior replied: “He hits harder than Joe Frazier with his left hook.”
Letterman then asked about another boxer who was renowned for his dynamite hands.
Foreman chuckled: “I never fought Earnie Shavers, thank goodness.
George Foreman claims Mike Tyson ‘ran’ away from him during awkward encounter
After discussing the heaviest punchers he ever faced, the conversation then moved on to a potential showdown with Mike Tyson.
At the time, a match-up between the Texan and the New Yorker would’ve been one of the most highly-anticipated sporting events of all time.
With a desire to test himself, ‘Big George’ was very vocal about how much he wanted the fight.
Astonishingly, Foreman claimed Mike Tyson ‘ran’ away from him during a bizarre encounter.