Foreman's career in boxing spans decades. He first became world heavyweight champion in 1973 when he stopped Joe Frazier inside two rounds. A year later, he lost those titles to Muhammad Ali in the famous Rumble In The Jungle.
After retiring in 1977 following a defeat to Jimmy Young, Foreman made a surprising comeback a decade later. He challenged for world titles again, losing to Evander Holyfield in 1991 before achieving the unthinkable in 1994. At 46 years and 169 days old, he became the oldest world heavyweight champion by beating Michael Moorer.
Throughout the 90s, fans and media often talked about a potential fight between Foreman and Mike Tyson. But it never happened. Now we know why.
In a video explanation, Foreman said:
"Mike Tyson was a monster. He was a monster. Those are the kind of guys you see in a nightmare and think 'wake up, wake up, wake up,' and you wake up and say, phew, I'm so glad that was in a dream. I didn't want any part of Mike Tyson, no way."
Tyson became the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He still holds the record as the youngest world heavyweight champion, winning the title at just 20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old.
Despite his fear, Foreman had high praise for Tyson's abilities:
"I really admired Mike Tyson. He wasn't that tall and that big but he could hit you quick, real quick, and his footwork was outstanding. In his prime, there was nothing like him. If he had fought for another four years winning, I'd have put him number two to Joe Lewis."
Foreman also appreciates Tyson's current outlook on life:
"I love him because he's strictly positive. He's got nothing to say negative about anything, he's having fun with life and that's what it's really about anyway."
Foreman hung up his gloves for good in 1997 after losing to Shannon Briggs. His honesty about avoiding Tyson gives fans a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion who faced some of boxing's greatest names but drew the line at 'Iron Mike'.