Boxing legend George Foreman will forever be remembered as an icon of the sport for his incredible and unlikely achievements.
As the oldest heavyweight champion of all time, there may never be another fighter like Foreman. From his epic brawl with Ron Lyle to his multiple ‘Fight of the Year’ awards, knockout king ‘Big George’ was a joy to watch.
Perhaps his most well-known fight was his ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ meeting with Muhammad Ali. Losing via knockout, Foreman discussed the issues he had from the historic fight.
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George Foreman says there were aspects of ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ he was unhappy with
Foreman would take on Ali as the heavyweight champion in Zaire in 1974. Ali was coming off his redemption win over Joe Frazier, while Foreman had earned a stoppage win over Ken Norton.
Although Foreman was a huge favorite going into the bout, it was not to be for the champion. After a great defensive showing from ‘The Greatest,’ he would deliver a knockout blow in round eight.
However, Foreman revealed that he could make some excuses for the loss.
Speaking to Graham Bensinger, Foreman said, “I had a lot of complaints after that boxing match.”
“The ropes were too loose, the referee counted too fast, and I had something in my water. I have lots of excuses”
Foreman had previously mentioned that his water tasted like it had a form of medicine in it. “This water tastes like medicine… Man, this water has medicine in it!”
As for his other excuse, Ali implemented his famous ‘rope-a-dope’ tactics in the bout, which led to rumors that the ropes had been loosened before the fight. However, these rumors were later debunked by Ali’s cornerman.
Despite having his issues with the bout, Foreman said he has accepted the defeat. “It still doesn’t bring it back and make it a win. I’ve learned to live with that.”
Muhammad Ali was the first man to defeat George Foreman after 41 fights
Making his professional boxing debut in June 1969, Foreman would 13 fights before the end of the year, winning all of them by knockout.
Then, over the next two-and-a-half years, Foreman would win 24 more fights, providing him with a world title opportunity. In January 1973, he would take on then-world champion Frazier.
Foreman brutalized Frazier in what was an epic performance to become world champion at 24 years old. He would go on to defend the world title two more times, before meeting Ali.
When Foreman fought Ali, he had a 40-0 record. Among his 40 wins, 37 came by way of knockout.