Heavyweight legend, George Foreman, says there are two current heavyweights who remind him of himself back in his heyday.
Few boxers in history have left as big a mark on the sport as George Foreman. From his early days in the ring, where he traded blows with legendary fighters like Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, to his triumphant return a decade later to claim the heavyweight championship at the age of 45, Foreman’s career is one that will be remembered for years to come.
Foreman was famed for his ferocious punching power with clips of him pounding the heavy bag striking fear into his opponents before they even entered the ring.
‘Big George’ is still a big fan of the sport and keeps a keen eye on boxing’s blue-ribbon division. He has offered high praise for both Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, saying they were like watching himself.
In an press call for an upcoming film, Foreman said:
“I love watching boxing now. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury 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 fight. I don’t know much about their lives outside of the ring, but inside the ring, wow, what fighters they are – they’re like watching George Foreman again.”
Wilder perhaps has the more obvious similarities to Foreman. With 42 of his 43 wins coming by knockout, the American will go down as potentially the hardest hitting heavyweight of all time.
Fury’s style has changed dramatically since teaming up with new trainer SugarHill Steward. Previously known as an awkward mover who would outbox his opponent for 12 rounds, he has turned into an aggressive counter puncher with 5 knockouts in his last 6 outings.
The pair have fought three times, the first a draw before Fury ran away with the rivalry with two stoppages. There’s a distinct possibility for a fourth, and Foreman will likely be watching front and centre.