‘Big’ George Foreman will forever be remembered as one of the greatest competitors to ever step in the ring.
From Foreman’s brutal beating of Joe Frazier to making history at 45 years of age, the former world champion is a true legend of boxing.
Taking a 10-year career break after his second professional loss to Jimmy Young, Foreman returned on what turned out to be a legendary run.
In March 1987, Foreman defeated Steve Zouski via TKO to return to the boxing ring. In his impressive returning streak, there was one rather unusual bout that Foreman competed in.
- READ MORE: 34-year-old Muhammad Ali defeated former George Foreman opponent in style to defend world titles
George Foreman had an eventful meeting with Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1988
Foreman’s return to the ring in 1987 would see him go 7-0 in less than 12 months. Aiming for a step up in competition, Foreman took on former world champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
Qawi was a former world champion in both the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. In his last outing, he had an unsuccessful title challenge against Evander Holyfield.
The bout between Foreman and Qawi would take place in March 1988, at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
Qawi had a professional record of 28-5-1, while Foreman was 52-2 in his career.
Despite Qawi being the highest caliber of opponent Foreman had faced since returning to the ring, ‘Big George’ would get the job done. However, it was not a smooth fight for Foreman.
Foreman would put his opponent down in the third round of the fight, landing an illegal shot to Qawi’s kidney. A thudding shot to the back of his opponent would send the former champion down, however, Qawi clutched the back of his head and was not given a count.
The start of the fifth round would see Foreman receive a warning from the referee. Pushing Qawi with his right, then left, elbows, the referee temporarily halted proceedings to speak to Foreman.
Moments after the warning, Qawi crumbled to the canvas from a light shot from Foreman landed. The referee seemingly deemed the moment a push from Foreman or a slip from Qawi, as no count was given.
In the sixth round, it appeared as if Foreman had stung his opponent with a left uppercut. Despite Qawi seeming like he was heading to the canvas, he quickly turned around to fire a shot at Foreman as the commentator shouted, “He faked him out!”
The end of the round would see Foreman land punishing blows on his opponent, however, Qawi was kept up by the ropes with no knockdown being scored.
Round seven would see the final action of the bout. A brave effort from a much smaller Qawi would come to an end as he turned his back to Foreman, with the referee waving off the bout.
George Foreman won 24 fights in a row in boxing comeback
When Foreman earned victory over Qawi, it was his eighth in a row since returning to boxing. However, he would go on to win an incredible 24 fights in a row in his second spell as a professional.
Notable victories in this run included Foreman knocking out Gerry Cooney, as well as wins over Adilson Rodrigues and Bert Cooper.
For his 25th fight in his return run, Foreman would take on Evander Holyfield to once again become world champion. However, he would lose to the title holder via unanimous decision.