George Foreman will forever be remembered for his achievements inside the ring.
The power puncher left a legacy behind that would change the sport forever. From Foreman being the oldest world heavyweight champion of all time, to his epic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ showdown with Muhammad Ali, ‘Big George’ is a true boxing hero.
Finishing his career in 1997, the former champion hung up his gloves with a professional record of 76-5-1, only being stopped once in the ring.
Foreman’s showdown with Ron Lyle is one example of how enthralling his fights could be. However, he has since become very good friends with one of his most fierce rivals.
George Foreman reveals the former rival who became his friend
In October 1974, Foreman would take on Ali in one of the most famous boxing matches of all time.
Foreman and Ali would meet in what is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo for the WBC, WBA, and Ring World Heavyweight titles, which were held by ‘Big George’.
Ali would be the victor of the epic bout, dethroning Foreman by earning an eighth-round TKO.
Reminiscing on the fight to I AM ATHLETE, Foreman said, “He [Ali] was trying to win a boxing match, I was trying to kill that guy.”
Foreman would then go on to explain the disappointment he faced as he was not given a second opportunity to defeat Ali. However, despite the rivalry in the ring that night, Foreman discussed his current feelings towards ‘The Greatest.’
“I fell in love with him later on. We became phone-talkers… We started FaceTiming.”
Foreman would say that even through their friendship, Ali kept his competitive edge. ‘Big George’ even said that Ali would compete with him over the number of grandchildren each other had.
“We loved each other,” Foreman said. “He became my most beloved friend, ever.”
Describing Ali as a ‘gift to boxing’, Foreman would also mention how he misses the former champion, who passed away in 2016.
- READ MORE: George Foreman reveals what Muhammad Ali whispered to him in the middle of ‘Rumble in the Jungle’
George Foreman on his first professional loss to Muhammad Ali
Looking back on the first loss he ever suffered as a professional boxer, Foreman told Universal Documentaries that he intended to win the ‘easiest fight of his career’ against Ali.
“I beat him up for basically five or six rounds. I thought it was easy!” Foreman said. However, as the tides began to turn, ‘Big George’ described the ending as a “nightmare.”
Describing himself as being devastated, Foreman would continue to box for three years after the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. However, he would then take a 10 year break from the sport.
Returning in 1987, Foreman won his comeback fight via TKO against Steve Zouski. Seven years later, he would once again become the heavyweight champion.