George Foreman Names The Top 5 Heavyweights Of All Time
George Foreman set a record in the heavyweight division back in 1994 that looks in no danger of being broken.
The man from Marshall, Texas retired from the sport of boxing in 1977. He became an ordained Christian minister before returning to the ring in ’87 and, seven years later, would win the world title to become the oldest man, 45, to ever do it.The thudding puncher is forever in the heavyweight history books, but on his official website he modestly names ten others as the best ever.
Joe Louis
“No one is even close. Joe Louis was in a class by himself.”
‘The Brown Bomber’ impressively reigned as champion from 1937 until 1945 with a run of 25 successful defences. Louis became an icon during World War II due to his rivalry with Germany’s Max Schmelling. His record states he lost on just three occasions in his 69 fights.Rocky Marciano
“Just look at Rocky Marciano’s record. Nobody beat him. You can’t take that from him.”
The only heavyweight champion so far to hang up the gloves undefeated, Marciano dined out on an incredible chin, fearsome attitude and a relentlessness few could ever match. He held the world title for a four-year stint in the fifties.
Jack Johnson
“A big brave cat, because he’d do whatever he wanted and get out of the way.”
Johnson was the first black world heavyweight champion and a cultural icon for his actions in and out of the ring. He reigned from 1908 until 1915 and had an overall record, although potentially disputable, of 68 wins, 11 losses, 11 draws and four no contests.
Muhammad Ali
“Put him down as the GREATEST MAN to ever box, and a hero bigger than boxing. Once Ali lost his speed, it only showed that he’d never developed a great defence.”
Formerly Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali was, like Johnson, a figure who transcended the sport. Inside the ropes he was an enigma at heavyweight – slick movement, incredible stamina and frustrating defence all led him to being regarded as one of the sportsmen of the century.
Joe Frazier
“Only because he depended solely on his left hook do I rate Joe Frazier below Marciano. Marciano could hit with both hands.”
The first fighter to defeat Ali, Frazier was a Gold Medalist before turning pro and going 29 fights undefeated, his record only interrupted by Foreman himself. His left hand is in the history book as mentioned by ‘Big’ George, and he retired with a 73% knockouts-to-fights ratio.
Foreman’s full top 10
Joe Louis
Rocky Marciano
Jack Johnson
Muhammad Ali
Joe Frazier
Jack Dempsey
Mike Tyson
Sonny Liston
Floyd Patterson
