George Foreman, the late heavyweight boxing champion, admitted he dodged a fight with Jerry Quarry. Foreman shared this revelation in a social media post, calling Quarry a "master" heavyweight.
Foreman, known for his devastating punching power, was a fearsome force in the heavyweight division. He started his career with a fast, aggressive style, always looking for early finishes. Later, he developed a more methodical and patient approach, which helped him recapture the heavyweight title at 45, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Despite his formidable reputation, Foreman wasn't shy about acknowledging the skills of his rivals. In his social media post, he explained why he avoided Quarry:
"Quarry was a master counterpuncher. Ali beat him. He would've set traps for me. We actually dodged Jerry. I'm not ashamed of it either."
Jerry Quarry, often considered one of the best heavyweights to never win a world title, had a style that could've given Foreman trouble. Quarry was known for his masterful counterpunching, extreme durability, and ability to punish opponents in stand-and-trade situations.
Quarry's career was impressive, even without a world title. He had over 200 amateur fights and attempted title fights against Jimmy Ellis, Joe Frazier, and Muhammad Ali. His professional record included notable wins over Floyd Patterson, Earnie Shavers, and Ron Lyle. Quarry retired in 1992 with 53 wins from 66 fights.
Foreman's admission sheds light on the strategic decisions fighters make in their careers. It also highlights the respect top fighters had for Quarry's skills, even if he never clinched a world title.
Sadly, the sport took a significant toll on Quarry, who passed away in 1999. Foreman's openness about avoiding this potentially tough matchup adds another layer to our understanding of the strategic landscape in heavyweight boxing during that era.
