Realistic Analysis of George Foreman Come Back

[HomicideHenry]

In 2004 George Foreman announced he would come back out of retirement if either one of the Klitschko's became champion. Well Wladimir is in line for the IBF and was a former WBO champion. And Vitali won the WBC title.

Then rumors spread that Foreman doesn't plan a major comeback, but just a one fight deal. Since then not much has been said, but the "Punching Preacher" has still given hints he is going to return.

From the time Foreman turned pro in 1969 to 1977 he was 45-2 (42). From 1987 to 1997 he was 31-3 (26). So let's assume for every 10yrs of inactivity Foreman loses about 10% of his power---he was roughly 98% in his prime and was still a remarkably high, in the 80's percentile. So, in 2007 his power will be down to a high 70 or low 80.

Throw in experience and smarts...that bumps that up a few points.

The only thing going against Foreman would be his reflexes, he would have to have alot of tune up fights before he could ever face a top ten contender, let alone a champion.

But we all said this before, and he proved us wrong then. Imagine if Foreman did comeback, and did manage to pull in a few wins, how would you think the 55yr old Foreman would do against Valuev? Brewster? Former champion Ruiz? Or even Rahman?

Of course Foreman said he wanted to get down to 225 pounds, which is a weight he has not been since the 1970's, the closest he ever was to the weight in his comeback was in 1988 when he fought Dwight Qwai and was 235 pounds.

But irregardless of the weight, just sincerly rationalise it, and figure it. If Foreman came back how would he fare, considering how weak the division is now these days versus his age?

Myself I think if he was matched right, and given enough time to shake off the rust, Foreman could beat Ruiz and probably beat Valuev, if not give Wladimir Klitschko one helluva fight, because we all know Klitschko's chin isn't his strongest point---all it took was one punch to lay out Michael Moorer.

And if Foreman ever regained the Heavyweight title...in my mind, that would show me he is possibly the greatest Heavyweight champion who ever lived, no if's and's or but's.

[dempseyfire]

He's not coming back, he stated it clearly in an interview about 6 months ago.

The official reason:

His wife wouldn't let him do it.

All the better.

Even with his punch, he would be hurt badly by a Wlad Klitshko or Brewster.

Actually the fight I see him doing best in would be Valuev, who does not hit very hard and is slow and immobile. If Foreman could take away Nicolay's jab with his own, he'd make things tough.

[BrocktonBlockbuster49]

imagine foreman regaining the title at age 57 from valuev. its very possibly, valuev sux.

[gregor]

imagine foreman regaining the title at age 57 from valuev. its very possibly, valuev sux.

That is great idea. Since Foreman is not allowed to do it, maybe someone suggests it to Larry Holmes? I think Valuev can accept the challenge because it seems to be the only way he has a slight chance to beat an opponent with a name.

[surf-bat]

In 2004 George Foreman announced he would come back out of retirement if either one of the Klitschko's became champion. Well Wladimir is in line for the IBF and was a former WBO champion. And Vitali won the WBC title.

Then rumors spread that Foreman doesn't plan a major comeback, but just a one fight deal. Since then not much has been said, but the "Punching Preacher" has still given hints he is going to return.

From the time Foreman turned pro in 1969 to 1977 he was 45-2 (42). From 1987 to 1997 he was 31-3 (26). So let's assume for every 10yrs of inactivity Foreman loses about 10% of his power---he was roughly 98% in his prime and was still a remarkably high, in the 80's percentile. So, in 2007 his power will be down to a high 70 or low 80.

Throw in experience and smarts...that bumps that up a few points.

The only thing going against Foreman would be his reflexes, he would have to have alot of tune up fights before he could ever face a top ten contender, let alone a champion.

But we all said this before, and he proved us wrong then. Imagine if Foreman did comeback, and did manage to pull in a few wins, how would you think the 55yr old Foreman would do against Valuev? Brewster? Former champion Ruiz? Or even Rahman?

Of course Foreman said he wanted to get down to 225 pounds, which is a weight he has not been since the 1970's, the closest he ever was to the weight in his comeback was in 1988 when he fought Dwight Qwai and was 235 pounds.

But irregardless of the weight, just sincerly rationalise it, and figure it. If Foreman came back how would he fare, considering how weak the division is now these days versus his age?

Myself I think if he was matched right, and given enough time to shake off the rust, Foreman could beat Ruiz and probably beat Valuev, if not give Wladimir Klitschko one helluva fight, because we all know Klitschko's chin isn't his strongest point---all it took was one punch to lay out Michael Moorer.

And if Foreman ever regained the Heavyweight title...in my mind, that would show me he is possibly the greatest Heavyweight champion who ever lived, no if's and's or but's.

Winning A heavyweight title and THE heavyweight championship are two different things. Winning one of those meaningless alphabet belts holds little water here. Sure, George would deserve some credit for being the old man who beats the young guy, but not enough to vaunt him into "greatest heavyweight ever" status. Just my opinion.