Just learned of the death of former boxing legend George Foreman earlier today. The ex-champion was 76 years old.
Foreman was best known as a fierce fighter, one of the most intimidating knock out artists of his day. Back in the 1970's, he was a little bit like what Mike Tyson would become a decade or so later: the most terrifying boxer of his era. He seemed to dispatch with great champions of that time with almost startling ease, KO'ing both Joe Frasier, who had been the undefeated and undisputed heavyweight champion of the world going into that fight, as well as Ken Norton.
At the height of his power, when many boxing pundits seemed to feel that Foreman was invincible, he put his title against former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in one of the most highly anticipated and hyped boxing matches ever. It was fought in what was then Zaire (now the Congo), and was dubbed the "Rumble in the Jungle." Few gave Ali a chance, but he scored what was at that point one of the greatest upsets in boxing history, surviving an early Foreman barrage and then scoring a stunning knockout himself in the 8th round.
After the fight, the fallen Foreman fell into a depression. Ultimately, he left boxing and pursued other things, becoming a minister. However, he did return to the ring in the 1980's, although many people never game him a chance. He had some title chances but kept falling short in fights that went the distance, most famously against Evander Holyfield.
However, all of that changed when Foreman scored one of the most historic upset wins in his own right, knocking out then undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion Michael Moore. Suddenly, at age 45, Foreman was the heavyweight champion of the world again. Many people rejoiced, and that included me.
While his reign as champion was short, it nevertheless served as an inspiration for many that he got back to the top and was crowned champion again.
Outside of the boxing ring, Foreman became a celebrated personality. A bit like Tyson, his image completely changed, especially with the popularity of the Foreman Grill. He also often did boxing commentary with other fights.
Rest In Peace, George Foreman. You will be missed.
Reaction to death of former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman Story by Reuters • 1h •
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/other/reaction-to-death-of-former-world-heavyweight-boxing-champion-george-foreman/ar-AA1Br9uZ?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Reaction to death of former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman
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