25 Years Ago Today: George Foreman Does The Incredible And Regains The Heavyweight Crown At Age 45

[Ruthless-RKO]

“It happened!” Jim Lampley.



It did indeed happen, a quarter of a century ago today. Heavyweight legend George Foreman, after having taken something of a shellacking for the best part of ten rounds by southpaw heavyweight champ Michael Moorer, shocked the unbeaten defending ruler with a right hand that sent him silly and knocked him out. It was astonishing. It was awe-inspiring. It was unforgettable.

To do what 45 year old Foreman did (45 years and ten months to be exact), and recapture the heavyweight title over twenty years after losing it, was truly something amazing. Foreman, who of course ruled the division in 1973 and 1974, until running into the incomparable Muhammad Ali, was a beloved figure even before his sledgehammer right hand collided with Moorer’s chin in round number ten in 1994. Afterwards, the crown regained, “Big George” knelt in a prayer of thanks in a corner of the ring. Suitable thanks were given to the higher powers that were instrumental in allowing Foreman to do what he had done. And how the fans loved George even more.

The joy felt that night at ringside was something rarely experienced in such magnitude. That night in Las Vegas, those fans in attendance were witness to something truly special indeed. Even watching live on T.V, fans were privy to a once-in-a-lifetime sporting moment. As HBO’s Jim Lampley said afterwards, while still on air, “if you missed this fight, you’re going to regret it for the rest of your life.”

George himself always said his comeback was akin to Haley’s comet, in that it was something that only comes around once in a very long time. “Never again will you see anything like this,” he said correctly. Not only is it extremely unlikely we will ever see a one-time heavyweight champion lose his title, only to regain it some two decades later, but it is just as unlikely we will fall in love with another heavyweight the same way we did with George. Who isn’t a Foreman fan! In short, Foreman’s win was a complete one-off, in that it brought about genuine happiness and untold celebration. Who among today’s heavyweights is capable of doing that?

And to think, there was a time when the experts frowned upon Foreman’s return to boxing, calling his comeback nothing other than a bad joke. Of those folks who were present at the MGM Grand that November night 25 years ago, we fans who were not there will be forever envious. For without going overboard, they saw, firsthand, the closest thing to a miracle the sporting world is capable of producing.

Was it really a quarter of a century ago when George Foreman defied all logic?

James Slater - November 5, 2019

[tiny_acres]

Honestly doesn't feel that long ago.
But hell it doesn't feel like 45 plus years since his first title reign.
Damn this site makes me feel old

[Ambling Alp II]

That was unbelievable at the time. Foreman took so much punishment throughout the fight, but kept hanging in there. Then just like that, he knocks out Moorer. That fight gave the sport a much needed shot in the arm.

[Onetimeonly]

I still laugh when I think about people calling this a dive. The whole point of a dive is to get counted out without being unconscious.

[Noxy]

I remember it well. Amazing it was.

[Bodyshot3]

Incredible performance...….

…..especially as Morrison had beaten George quite handily only back in June and this fight was heavily disparaged in the UK press as an easy, unwarranted payday for MM beating-up on a legend who just did not know when to quit.

Can remember getting-up the next morning (missed the fight because thought the result was a given) and spluttering over my breakfast coffee as the BBC reported on MM being flattened and Foreman being the champ again.

An early, valuable lesson that fights from the US you feel are not worth burning the candle for can surprise

[margaret thatcher]

The KO punch looked like sh!t at first watch, but then you see the replay and see how cleanly it actually lands right on the end of the chin

[evrenb]

George Foreman is my favourite fighter and person of all time. I'm glad he won ...especially in response to Teddy Atlas's appalling behaviour here.

[dr_devious]

Pushing big bad George like that is rather brave

[drunkenpiper36]

I remember watching that fight live on HBO in my living room with a friend drinking beer. Moorer was dominating all night. I stepped out on my patio to have a smoke ( habit a gave up long ago ) and when I came back in Foreman was the champ.

[Matt W]

George Foreman is my favourite fighter and person of all time. I'm glad he won ...especially in response to Teddy Atlas's appalling behaviour here.

I love Big George, perhaps the only person I would call an idol of mine.

‘Go get me a sandwich and sit down.’

A few years ago I was struggling really badly with depression and I was reading his book, ‘God In My Corner’. It said something about how he would always reply if he could to people that reached out to him. I contacted him and within an hour he replied. A great, great man.

[dr_devious]

Thats great Matt. Big George is the boxer I would most like to meet

[evrenb]

George Foreman is my favourite fighter and person of all time. I'm glad he won ...especially in response to Teddy Atlas's appalling behaviour here.

I love Big George, perhaps the only person I would call an idol of mine.

‘Go get me a sandwich and sit down.’

A few years ago I was struggling really badly with depression and I was reading his book, ‘God In My Corner’. It said something about how he would always reply if he could to people that reached out to him. I contacted him and within an hour he replied. A great, great man.

That's great Matt. How the words of a great man can make you feel better. Like a doctor telling you there's nothing wrong. Maybe that's what some get from religion I don't know.
Back in 2003 after my dad died I emailed him as I was struggling. He responded and his words helped me so much. This is what you call a role model.

[evrenb]

The sandwich line is just hilarious. Lucky it was 1994 and not 1974 Mr Atlas.

[Matt W]

I have always really admired how he transformed himself from the mean, surly bully of the 70s to become such a kind, humble, funny and decent man.

[Bodyshot3]

I have always really admired how he transformed himself from the mean, surly bully of the 70s to become such a kind, humble, funny and decent man.

Point well made...…..was not just a boxing achievement George managed
There was a good deal of wit and wisdom on display as well.