Foreman Vs Frazier.

[KOJOE90]

I am sure that most of us here have seen the first George Foreman Vs Joe Frazier fight many times. When Big George bounced the previously unbeaten Frazier off the canvas several times to begin his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion, way back in 1973.

But there has allways been one thing that has 'bugged' me a little when watching that fight it's the fact that Frazier didn't look in peak physical condition that night. His body had almost no muscular definition and that he was about 9lbs heavier that when he beat Ali. Frazier was never body beautifull but his body looked a little smooth that night IMO.

I seem to recall that Frazier saying in his autobiography that the food in Jamaica did not agree with him and he even had food flown in from the USA but he still didn't feel right.

Does anyone else have any recollections or opinions on this matter? Maybe Frazier underestimated Foreman or did the first Ali fight take something out of Smokin Joe?

Having said all that styles make fights and no matter what condition Frazier turned up in I feel Big George would still beat him.

[Jaclem]

...i thought frazier looked a little flabby , compared to his usual self, when he climbed into the ring against foreman, and the many times i've looked at the film and tape (they show different perspectives) verify this.

plus..the ali fight certainly took something out of him...as it did ali...although frazier took more head shots.

given that.....i agree with kayo that no matter what, foreman still would have won easily.

it is possible that joe under rated foreman a little. remember, foreman had made his reputation over a lot of stiffs in that "undefeated with lots of knockouts" record.

[dempseyfire]

The Frazier Foreman fought was def. past his peak. A guy with his style is gonna burn out quickly a la Henry Armstrong and after Ali 1 he had basically accomplished a career´s worth of highlights in under 30 fights. pretty damn impressive. Frazier was a little heavy but still looked in decent fighting shape. My biggest problem with the fight is the number of times George literally shoved Joe off of him so Joe couldnt smother him . . .that was a blatant infringment of the rules of boxing and the ref did absolutely nothing. Would have Foreman still won . . probably. But I still truly believe the fight wouldve gone slightly differently if George hadnt destroyed Frazier´s rythym with a simple foul tactic numerous times.

[Graham Brett]

...i thought frazier looked a little flabby , compared to his usual self, when he climbed into the ring against foreman, and the many times i've looked at the film and tape (they show different perspectives) verify this.

plus..the ali fight certainly took something out of him...as it did ali...although frazier took more head shots.

given that.....i agree with kayo that no matter what, foreman still would have won easily.

it is possible that joe under rated foreman a little. remember, foreman had made his reputation over a lot of stiffs in that "undefeated with lots of knockouts" record.

Frazier also was fairly inactive between AliI and ForemanI. He fought Terry Daniels and Ron Stander, and was overweight for both fights, which didnt go many rounds. He was also on the round singing with his band and drinking.

Hardly preparation for Foreman in 73.

[elmersalsa]

I agree with all you guys, but I cannot discredit Foreman's victory. Remember, Foreman also had the GREAT old Archie Moore in his corner that night, and probably Moore KNEW SOME FRAZIER'S WEAKNESSESS.

Was Joe in bad shape??? He looked like it. He did not looked like the night of March 8, 1971 where he was RELENTELESS.

[KOJOE90]

Foreman also had the GREAT old Archie Moore in his corner that night, and probably Moore KNEW SOME FRAZIER'S WEAKNESSESS.

Maybe it was that Moore felt Frazier was far lass effective when on the back foot and so instructed Foreman tp push Frazier back when he tried to get in close.

Just a thought.