BoxRec

On this date on January 10th, 1949, former two-time World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman was born and we wish him a Happy 70th Birthday!

Which means he was 45 when he KOd Moorer, not 46 as is so often stated. Happy birthday Big George!

Twice lineal champ in 2 different eras but just as famous for his grill !

One of my favorite all-time fighters! Both of him!

oogiebe wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 10:42 One of my favorite all-time fighters! Both of him!

I liked Foreman even better when everyone was booing him. Cosell played the role of Gordon Solie when GF fought 5 in Toronto.

I didn't know anyone who liked Foreman from say 74-77 except me.

Tony1244 wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:13

oogiebe wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 10:42 One of my favorite all-time fighters! Both of him!

I liked Foreman even better when everyone was booing him. Cosell played the role of Gordon Solie when GF fought 5 in Toronto.

I didn't know anyone who liked Foreman from say 74-77 except me.

Yeah, at the time, I definitely didn't like him post Zaire through first retirement. The folly in Toronto was a huge reason. I thought he'd gone crazy.

oogiebe wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:15

Tony1244 wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:13

oogiebe wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 10:42 One of my favorite all-time fighters! Both of him!

I liked Foreman even better when everyone was booing him. Cosell played the role of Gordon Solie when GF fought 5 in Toronto.

I didn't know anyone who liked Foreman from say 74-77 except me.

Yeah, at the time, I definitely didn't like him post Zaire through first retirement. The folly in Toronto was a huge reason. I thought he'd gone crazy.

I identified with Foreman around 1975. I still wonder today, if Foreman was purposely doing a bad guy wrestler shtick in Toronto.

I disagreed with how the media viewed the event. They called it "disgraceful" and "disgusting." Lighten up.

It was an entertaining and somewhat playful sparring session. Sure if one of them could have KOd George, they would have. But I, at about 14, enjoyed the fiasco.

Tony1244 wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:23

oogiebe wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:15

Tony1244 wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:13

I liked Foreman even better when everyone was booing him. Cosell played the role of Gordon Solie when GF fought 5 in Toronto.

I didn't know anyone who liked Foreman from say 74-77 except me.

Yeah, at the time, I definitely didn't like him post Zaire through first retirement. The folly in Toronto was a huge reason. I thought he'd gone crazy.

I identified with Foreman around 1975. I still wonder today, if Foreman was purposely doing a bad guy wrestler shtick in Toronto.

I disagreed with how the media viewed the event. They called it "disgraceful" and "disgusting." Lighten up.

It was an entertaining and somewhat playful sparring session. Sure if one of them could have KOd George, they would have. But I, at about 14, enjoyed the fiasco.

I remember vividly, being embarrassed for George; the after the bell stuff with Jerry Judge (who clocked George); the 'dancing/hopping;' His behavior was rather odd. He was trying to prove that he had stamina. Whoever talked him into it should've been shot.

oogiebe wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:27

Tony1244 wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:23

oogiebe wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019, 11:15
Yeah, at the time, I definitely didn't like him post Zaire through first retirement. The folly in Toronto was a huge reason. I thought he'd gone crazy.

I identified with Foreman around 1975. I still wonder today, if Foreman was purposely doing a bad guy wrestler shtick in Toronto.

I disagreed with how the media viewed the event. They called it "disgraceful" and "disgusting." Lighten up.

It was an entertaining and somewhat playful sparring session. Sure if one of them could have KOd George, they would have. But I, at about 14, enjoyed the fiasco.

I remember vividly, being embarrassed for George; the after the bell stuff with Jerry Judge (who clocked George); the 'dancing/hopping;' His behavior was rather odd. He was trying to prove that he had stamina. Whoever talked him into it should've been shot.

I think Ali was being an asshole. Perhaps GF wasn't acting and he was having a meltdown. I felt sorry for George and the way he was being received. I wanted him to KO the last 2 opponents.

Foreman is a true legend of the sport. It will even be unnecessary to repeat his obviously great achievements. More health and wealth to Big George!

"For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a changing."

Bob Dylan's prophetic words capture the Rumble in the Jungle perfectly.

Actually, Ali's own words in his autobiography "The Greatest," captures the concept. ""The defeated can rise up stronger than the victor."

Ironically, Ali was talking about his losses and that Foreman had never lost a pro fight up to that point.

Who would have thought that in 1974, Ali would soon be sick and Foreman would eventually be a near billionaire?

The predictions at the time would have been closer to Ali will be UN Ambassador and Foreman's body will be found in a Houston alley.