George Foreman, a feared heavyweight champion, says there's only one heavyweight he couldn't beat: Muhammad Ali. Foreman made this statement recently on social media, reflecting on his career and Ali's legacy.
'Big' George had an impressive career that spanned four decades. He beat Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, and Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest ever heavyweight world champion. With 76 wins (68 by knockout) and only 5 losses, Foreman's record speaks for itself.
But when it comes to Ali, Foreman admits he met his match. The two faced off in one of the biggest boxing events of all time, known as the "Rumble in the Jungle." Ali won that fight using his famous "rope-a-dope" technique to tire out Foreman.
Foreman shared his thoughts about Ali:
"Once in the ring with the great Ali was enough for me. If I'd changed my approach back then he'd [have] another plan. Nothing beats some fighters but time."
This statement suggests Foreman believes Ali was unbeatable except by aging.
After beating Foreman, Ali defended his heavyweight titles 10 times. He had rematch wins over Norton and Frazier. He even lost to Leon Spinks but won the title back in an immediate rematch.
Ali's decline began at 38 when his health started deteriorating. He lost to Larry Holmes in 1980 and to Trevor Berbick in 1981, after which he retired. Many critics felt people around Ali should have stopped these fights from happening.
Known as "The Greatest," Ali's legacy lives on in both sport and popular culture. Despite losses to fighters like Norton and Frazier, he's still considered one of the most talented and charismatic athletes of all time.
Foreman's statement reminds us of Ali's unique place in boxing history. Even a champion as formidable as Foreman couldn't find a way to beat him.
