Mohammed Ali vs. George Foreman: have your say!

TrakNSok · Post by **TrakNSok** » 16 Feb 2008, 19:36

Do you remember the "divine" fight in Kinshasa, Zaire? Mohammed Ali vs. George Foreman?

Tell us what you remember on the air. NOW until 9:30 p.m. tonight on Vocalo.org at 1-312-893-2993

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 17 Feb 2008, 17:22

Muhammad

I would just say that it is the fight that confirmed Ali as the best fighter in the history of the division. And George Foreman was there too.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 17 Feb 2008, 18:07

I think this fight could have been different if it was in the US where a lot of things that happened would not of had happened.

I believe that in the rematch Foreman would have won a decision.

It was a monumental night for many casual and non boxing fans.
I know so many people that no bugger all about boxing that talk of this fight as though it was the biggest fight ever.

Sad for them I fear.

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 17 Feb 2008, 18:45

I beg to differ on both accounts. The fight could have been held in Austin, Texas; George wasn't going to win. If he had won a rematch it would have been due to Ali's age.

This is not a fight solely for "casual fans and non-boxing fans." If so-called "true" boxing fans don't appreciate this fight then that's their own loss. This was an important fight, not one that deserves condescension. Just because it wasn't politically important like Johnson-Jeffries or Louis-Schmeling II doesn't make it any less of an important fight. It was a central fight in the careers of two of the best Heavyweights in boxing history. In terms of having two highly ranked all time Heavyweights in the same ring, and having them be in relatively good condition, its arguably the most important Heavyweight fight, as opposed to maybe Louis-Marciano where you had another two highly rated Heavyweights in the same ring, but Louis was 37.

Just because HBO hasn't made a documentary about it doesn't mean its not an important fight.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 17 Feb 2008, 18:51

More than HBO has made a doco about it. It is nearly the swansong of Ali's career.

Granted I think in the first time round Ali does win. In a rematch I feel Foreman does...and yes Ali's age is a big factor so is Foremans abilitiy to adapt.

By casual fans I meant those who have seen 'Ali'. 'When we were kings' and the 100s of other docos that have this bout as a centre piece of greatness.

It is a big fight yes, and I have watched it a few times and I ffeel it is what helped to make Ali 'Great'.

The point I was trying to make is that it is not as good a fight for boxing fans as the hype surrounding it. I suppose this could be said of so many 'great' fights.

Kym

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 17 Feb 2008, 19:11

There have been documentaries about it but I'm not aware that HBO has made one on that fight specifically. It seems like fights aren't considered important today unless HBO makes a documentary about them.

Anyway, I'm just saying that while this fight had a lot of hype it was deserved hype and it was a great fight. Not as great as some other fights, but great nevertheless. And it was very significant.

George was something like eight years younger than Ali. He turned pro nine years after Ali did. If George had won a rematch, that would have been the reason. George in his prime showed a remarkable ability to be unable to adapt. Other than that, Ali had his number. And I would say that this is an exciting fight, and is more exciting than fights like Patterson-Johannson or Tua-Ibeabuchi. Its not Ali-Frazier or Holyfield-Bowe, but its not an unexciting fight.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 17 Feb 2008, 19:42

I dont think HBO existed back then, so thats why they have not done one of there Legendary night docos.

I can see why there was so much hype.

I dcont find this fight that exciting to watch. But thats
just me.

Ali had Foremans number that night, but I am not entirely convinced
that if a rematch had happened fresh that it would have gone the same
way.

Kym

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 17 Feb 2008, 19:47

HBO was created in the late 70's, but they've made doc's about past fights and fighters.

I fail to see how this fight isn't exciting, but that's also just me. I think Ali clearly had George's number, George was lost in there and 70's George was not adaptable and only knew how to fight one way.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 17 Feb 2008, 19:57

I just didnt find it exciting, this is perhaps in part due to the
fact that for awhile it was one of the few fights I had on tape
so I may have just watched it to death.

yancey · Post by **yancey** » 18 Feb 2008, 02:09

Not that it would have changed anything, but I seem to recall that Foreman got a quick count from the referee.

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 18 Feb 2008, 02:39

I'm sure if you were to look at a hundred knock outs that at least 40% of them would be the about the same as the count in Ali-Foreman. But Ali-Foreman is of course a famous fight so people would be more likely to notice. Anyway, yeah, I think Foreman said himself that if the fight had continued that Ali might have killed him.

Goodnight, Irene · Post by **Goodnight, Irene** » 18 Feb 2008, 03:04

Never could get my head around an Ali-Foreman rematch. Ali was getting older, & after Manila, he seemed to decline precipitously --- however, Foreman was mentally never the same after this fight. The killer instinct & dedication to the sport waned, the self-confidence --- a big part of his prowess --- vanished, further eroded by his epic struggle with Lyle.

He was still a great fighter, probably remained world-class. However, he was no longer the same mentally. Ali was soon to be no longer the same physically.

I've never been able to clearly envision one beating the other in a return.

I Feel Fine · Post by **I Feel Fine** » 18 Feb 2008, 03:06

I think it depends on when they would fight. If Ali fights Foreman after the third Frazier fight, then I would favor Foreman. If Ali fights Foreman before the third Frazier fight then I would favor Ali.