Boxing Legend George Foreman Mourns Former Rival’s Death on 50th Anniversary of Their Title Fight

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman took to Twitter today and tweeted about his remarkable fight against Joe Frazier. He reminisced on how the fight changed everything in his life. He also mourned Frazier’s death, who passed away on November 7, 2011. George Foreman has been the world heavyweight champion twice; once in 1973 and then in 1994. In his first crack at the title, Foreman knocked out Frazier, winning the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles.

In 1994, a 45-year-old Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer, winning the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. Following his 10th-round knockout win over Moorer, Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history. ‘Big George’ retired with a record of 76 wins, with 68 of them being knockouts, and 5 losses. George Foreman is considered one of the best boxers of all time.

George Foreman vs Joe Frazier: Clash of two best heavyweights

Fans were eagerly anticipating the fight because Foreman and Frazier were both considered top heavyweight fighters who packed heavy punching power. Many predicted Foreman to win, as he had never lost a fight and was the champion. Frazier, meanwhile, was the former champion, looking to reclaim the title that he had lost to Muhammad Ali three years earlier. Frazier is widely recognized by many for his legendary trilogy against Ali. Both Ali and Frazier were never the same, after their third bout in October 1975.

Coming back to Foreman vs Frazier, the fight itself was a brutal, back-and-forth battle, with both fighters landing heavy punches. Foreman won by knocking out Frazier in the second round. In 1976, the duo met for the second time. Foreman managed to knockout Smokin’ Joe in the 5th round of the bout.

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Foreman and Frazier after their second meeting

Foreman and Frazier had a tough competition against each other in the ring, but they also had a certain level of respect for one another. After their second bout, Foreman went on to fight four more times, losing his last bout in 1977. Foreman would then stay away from competition for the next 10 years, just to return in 1987 and become the heavyweight champion for a second time in 1994. Following his second title win, Foreman ventured into his business, George Foreman Cooking.

Nevertheless, people will always remember Foreman and Frazier as two of the greatest heavyweights in the history of the sport.

What is your favorite George Foreman bout? Let us know in the comments below.

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