“He Reached Out To Wilder”-Bob Arum Recalls George Foreman’s Relationship

Bob Arum isn’t even a little surprised that George Foreman reached out to Deontay Wilder. This was after the Tyson Fury defeated.

Deontay Wilder went up against Tyson Fury this February for their rematch for the heavyweight championship. Deontay Wilder lost the title in an almost one-sided affair. His team was forced to throw in the towel in the 7th round. Crowning Tyson Fury the new champion.

Foreman too faced a similar situation against Ali. Muhammad Ali knocked him out in the eighth round of “The Rumble In the Jungle.” A humiliated Foreman didn’t fight for more than a year following this defeat in October 1974. Understanding Wilder’s plight, the two had a long phone conversation post the loss.

Arum said, “George is a very compassionate guy. “He recalled very vividly how embarrassed he was when he lost to Ali in Zaire. Not only having lost but the way he lost, getting knocked out. I think immediately [after Wilder lost to Fury], George is a very empathetic man and connected with Wilder, and he knew precisely what Wilder was feeling. He’s so compassionate that he reached out to Wilder. That’s how they connected.”

Wilder in discussion with “The PBC Podcast” said he will for sure confide in Foreman before he begins training for the trilogy bout. Wilder hasn’t said Foreman will be added to his team in any official capacity. But Bob Arum thinks this will be a great addition to Wilder’s team.

Will Deontay Wilder have George come on board?

Arum said, “He could do a lot worse than going to take counsel from George. George is a very astute boxing guy. I think he can only help Deontay. I’m not surprised that he didn’t train fighters because George not only kept busy, but he thrived in his career [after boxing. “And essentially, he still looks at himself like a minister. He’s been so busy in his other pursuits that it would’ve been counterproductive for him to spend time training fighters.”

The trilogy bout has been pushed back due to the pandemic, Originally scheduled for the July 18th. It has now been pushed back to October 3rd. Will Deontay Wilder come back and claim his title or will Fury walkout still champion.