George Foreman, once the most feared heavyweight boxer, has stirred up controversy. The former champion claims Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield refused to face him because they were afraid.
Foreman's boxing career spanned three decades. He burst onto the scene in the early 1970s, winning his first world heavyweight title in 1973. The big man knocked out Joe Frazier in the second round to claim the crown.
But 'Big' George's reign didn't last long. In 1974, he lost to Muhammad Ali in one of boxing's most iconic moments, 'The Rumble In The Jungle'. Ali's famous 'rope-a-dope' strategy proved too much for Foreman.
Years later, Foreman made some bold claims about two other boxing legends. In a video clip, he accused Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield of ducking him.
"I'm not fighting Mike Tyson, I'm not fighting Evander Holyfield, because they are afraid of me, let's get that straight! They're not gonna do it, they're gonna fight each other. They're small guys, they don't wanna fight 'Big' George. I've gotten into the ring with guys and I've seen them turn their back and run, I mean literally turn their backs on me and run."
Foreman's claims don't quite match up with history. He did fight Holyfield in 1991 for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Holyfield won by unanimous decision, keeping his titles.
As for Tyson, rumors swirled in the early 1990s about a potential clash. Some say Tyson turned down the fight, but that remains unconfirmed.
Foreman's comments have raised eyebrows in the boxing world. They've also reminded fans of his fearsome reputation during his prime years.
