Fantasy fights that jump between eras are a controversial subject amongst fans, but there’s little doubt that Deontay Wilder and George Foreman in the ring together would be a sight to behold.
Both men are undoubtedly two of the hardest hitting heavyweights to ever lace up the gloves.
Foreman thrilled fans of not one generation but two, making a sensational comeback after a ten-year hiatus that saw him become the oldest heavyweight world champion in history.
During both stints, Big George’s power was undeniable. His eventual record was 68 knockouts from 76 wins, and the list of names he stopped includes Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Ron Lyle and Joe Frazier twice.
A physical specimen the likes of which boxing hasn’t seen often, Foreman would cut off the ring well and throw thudding shots – his short right hand a particular highlight.
Wilder’s frame couldn’t be further from Foreman’s, but his power stacks up well. With 42 knockouts from 43 wins, the man from Alabama has dynamite in his right hand that, so far, only Tyson Fury has been able to stand up to.
When weighing up a potential fight between the two former world champions in an interview with Sports Illustrated, Roy Jones Jr focused on the chin.
“That’s a very hard one to call, but if Fury can knock Wilder down, George gonna knock him down.”
Wilder touched the canvas five times over the course of two fights with Fury, and would lost both by stoppage. In their third and final bout, he did make it interesting by dropping the Brit twice, but would ultimately be unable to finish the job.
Wilder now sets his foot on a path to become a two-time world champion. His first test is Joseph Parker on December 23.