Former two-time heavyweight champion, George Foreman, has given his assessment of the current big hitters in boxing and named two he believes could have competed in ‘any era’.
‘Big George’ is regarded as one of the best heavyweights of all time and fought against some of the biggest names in the sport, including Joe Frazier, Kenny Norton and, of course, Muhammad Ali.
His first stint as champion occurred in the 1970s, which many fans believe to be the greatest era in the sport’s history.
Foreman still keeps a keen eye on boxing’s blue-ribbon division and is particularly impressed with two current heavyweights, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder – saying they could have been successful in any era.
In an interview with FightHype, Foreman said:
“I just love boxing now. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, these guys could have existed in any era, they would have inspired me to become a boxer.
I like those guys and I like the way that they have fought, I don’t know anything about their lives outside of the ring, but inside the ring… what fighters they are! I’m interested in them, it’s like watching George Foreman again.”
Foreman retired in 1997 following defeat to Jimmy Young. Incredibly, he made a return to the ring 10 years later and knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 to capture the WBA, IBF, and lineal titles. It was at 46 years-old when he became two-time champion – and he still holds the record of the oldest ever to do that.
As for Wilder and Fury, they played out one of the modern day great trilogies. Fury walked away with two conclusive victories after a controversial draw in their first encounter.