Mike Tyson never got the chance to face George Foreman in the ring. Foreman recently explained why, admitting he wanted no part of Tyson when he became champion in 1994.
Tyson started his pro career in 1985 and quickly made a name for himself. He won 27 fights in a row before getting a shot at the title. In November 1986, he beat Trevor Berbick for the WBC heavyweight belt, becoming the youngest world heavyweight champ at just 20 years old.
From 1987 to 1990, Tyson ruled the heavyweight division. He held all the major titles and defended them against big names like Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Frank Bruno. His reign came to an end when he lost to Buster Douglas in 1990, and he ended up in prison for three years, getting out in early 1995.
While Tyson was away, George Foreman made a comeback for the ages. In November 1994, at 45 years old, Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer to win the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. He became the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.
Tyson's release from prison lined up perfectly with Foreman's title win, setting up a potential dream fight. But it never happened. Now we know why.
In a recent chat with Max Kellerman, Foreman came clean about avoiding Tyson. He said:
"I called him Mike 'Nightmare' Tyson, that guy was a nightmare in the ring, I mean really. If he missed you with his left, then miss you with his right, he'd bite you. I didn't wanna have anything to do with that guy. No way"
Foreman fought four more times after winning the title in '94. He called it quits after losing to Shannon Briggs in November 1997.
Looking back, a Tyson-Foreman clash would have been huge. But sometimes, the fights we never see end up being the most talked about.
