Interesting George Foreman Interview (Mentions Wlad)

http://www.examiner.com/article/george-foreman-wladimir-will-not-leave-much-of-a-legacy-boxing

Former Heavyweight champion 'Big' George Foreman made a surprise appearance on Houston's 1430 AM Sports Rap show with Ralph Cooper. George discussed his views on Wladimir Klitschko, the progress of his son George Foreman III, and the influence Sonny Liston had on his career. Here's the transcript from the in-depth interview with the fighter turned grill-mogul.

RC: What should Wladimir Klitschko’s legacy be when it’s all said and done?

GF: Well, he’s a defensive fighter. It doesn’t matter if his opponent is big or small, he will never take any chances. He’ll probably go down as one of the most reluctant Heavyweight Champions ever. Floyd Patterson wasn’t that big, but at least he took a chance and stood in front of Sonny Liston. So he’s not going to go down as the bravest guy. The reason why he’s reluctant is because he has a weak chin. He’s always trying to protect that chin, but he’s not going to leave much of a legacy.

RC: If Wladimir would have been around during the times when fighters like yourself, Norton, Shavers, Ali, or Liston fought, what would have happened?

GF: He could have stood the test in any era because he’s so defensive. However, those guys would have walked right through him. If he’s afraid to engage against a fighter like David Haye, he would have been frightened against Sonny Liston. Can you imagine Joe Frazier coming after him? I don’t think he would have been able to do well.

RC: Where is Monk (George Foreman III) in regards to the heavyweight division?

GF: Monk has just had his 12th pro fight, and at the end of July he’ll have another. The learning process for him is not easy. Monk is at a disadvantage because he didn’t have a single amateur fight. So he as soon as he fights, it’s back to the gym because he wants to learn. In another year, you’ll see Monk on TV challenging good fighters. He could possibly be a champion one day…….possibly.

RC: Like the Klitschko’s he has a college degree.

GF: Monk is very educated, but it’s so hard to teach these college boys how to fight. I must break him out of that. But I am impressed that he made one sacrifice to walk across that stage and get that degree, and that took him 4 years. He must understand that in boxing you have to make that same sacrifice, and put in the same amount of time, and it may take him another 4 years.

RC: Many people don’t know that you sparred with Sonny Liston, what was it like to spar with him when you were only 22 years old?

GF: Well I first sparred with him when I was 18 or 19. He is the only man to this day that has ever stood up to George Foreman in the ring. Even Joe Frazier tried to charge me but he eventually ran. Sonny Liston stood up to me and actually made me give ground. No one has ever done that to me before or since. It doesn’t matter if it was Muhammad Ali, he covered up, and even when he hit me he was on the run. Liston was the only man to stand up to me and make me back up.

RC: What made Liston so good?

GF: He could hit hard. When he hit you with that jab it would hurt, then he’d threaten you with that right hand after he’s already hit you in the stomach. I always found myself saying, “I don’t want too much more of this”. (Laughing)

RC: What kind of advice did Sonny Liston give you?

GF: He once told that if I ever became champion of the world, if I spit on the sidewalk, they’ll write about it in the newspaper. I’ve never forgotten that. When I finally did become champion, I looked in the newspaper and my whole life was there. He was right. I wish I would have paid more attention and absorbed more from him so I could be ready for the initial shock of your life being exposed and under the microscope like that. But if I had to do it all over again, I’d do it the same way!

RC: Thanks George.

GF: Thank you.