Who wins this fight if George didn't quit boxing to become a minister? I think it would have been an exciting contest that could have been close. Does Larry outbox Big George, or does he get caught with one of Foreman's heavy shots, losing by KO? My apologies if this thread has been done before.
Foreman's head was no longer in the game after the Young defeat, and he had not yet devised a strategy for succeding in old age, like he would years later. Meanwhile, Holmes in the absolute midst of his prime in 1980. I would likely have picked Holmes to beat even the pinacle Foreman who destroyed Frazier in 1973. Against a faded George, 1980 Holmes stops him late.
Foreman lost the edge, that kill or be killed ferocity that allowed him to actually walk down boxers and savage them. Against Young, he boxed shamefully. There is no doubt that Young was brilliant, but George made a pair of serious efforts to win the fight, and was then despondent and contented to lose a decision. Holmes would wax him after a loss like that. Took George years to get right in the head. And he never was a mean killer in the ring again.
Holmes wins the fight for sure. How, I'm not so sure. Bottom line is Larry's speed, footwork, toughness, and fantastic condition would pull him through, especially as the rounds progressed. It would be a fun fight though. Especially through the early part of the fight, it might even be a nail biter.
I see Larry winning via late round knockout. George never wanted to fight Larry, even an older Larry.
Foreman did not care about Holmes in the 70's because Holmes wasn't really on the scene until Foreman retired. Comeback Foreman had no interest because Holmes would have not been an important fight. When they finally almost met, the money must not have been enough.
Foreman might land a lucky uppercut and stop a less experienced Holmes, but realisticly i think Larry outboxes Foreman, he mabey gets dropped once or twice but takes the decision.
Why? You don't think Holmes could rope-a-dope big George with his skills like Ali did? Then again, I wonder if Holmes could stay on the ropes four five or more rounds and take those thundering shots off the arms and hips like George did to Ali. I don't think Holmes would really stop George unless it's very late where Young didn't finish the job, or a fatigued George punches himself out and quits on his stool. He has the punchers chance to stop Holmes with one of the big shots he landed on Frazier, Norton and Lyle.