Outside of his actual losses who throughout Heavyweight history would you say beats prime 70's Foreman? 2 of my grandpa's friends were having this debate and they came up with 2 definite's and a possible third. Liston Louis Lewis (?)
Have a good look at some of his fights. He had recuperative powers that belong in that group and i often compare him to Holmes. Both were dropped and/or hurt plenty of times but they always came back. Louis wasn't scared to punch his way out of trouble at times either and he did it dangerously well.
It depends on which rendition of 70s Foreman. Foreman was clearly not the same force after Zaire, and I'd favor quite a few people to beat that version including Holmes, Lewis, etc. As for '73-'74 version. I'll favor Ali and Liston with only Ali being a lock. That's it.
Post-shot Williams I'd give a 50-50. I thought Pre-shot Williams was banned from these threads for having an unfair advantage?
Peak Liston vs pre Zaire Foreman would be one hell of a battle. I'd slightly favor Liston 55:45 but anything could happen. Heavily artillery would be thrown as two tanks launch non stop barrages of missiles at each other. Heavy jabs, bludgeoning body shots, hellacious hooks, it would be a slugfest for the ages and defense would be non-existent after the 2nd round, just mindless aggression. I will say if Foreman keeps it rough and ugly, he probably wins, but Liston might take over if he boxes. Peak early 80's Holmes vs Foreman, 50:50 fight. Interesting clash of styles and a shame it didn't happen. Could go either way. I'm not sure who id favor to "definitely" beat that version of Foreman, very few I'd imagine. He was so dangerous and powerful, partly because he was absolutely fearless and never backed off. A single flush bomb or combination could turn a fight around for him in an instant. There are some who I think beat post Zaire Foreman tho, or at least have a good chance of winning. Fury and Vitali might drag him into deep waters and stop him late or outpoint him. Lewis and Hoylfield probably pull it off if they're careful and avoid getting into a shootout. Peak Tyson has a punchers chance but that's still a very ugly clash of styles and I wouldn't be confident betting 1 cent.
Foreman of the '73 is an extremely dangerous battle for every all-time great in history. Huge winning streak, collected one of the most dangerous corners in the world in Archie Moore and Sandy Saddler, and was as confident as he ever was, which actually plays a huge part in a proactive long guard of Foreman's. There is no place for indecision in his style. He must be the general.
I favor Liston as well, more technically sound, just as strong if not stronger, and has the psychological advantage. This would be one fighter an overconfident Foreman would show hesitancy in fighting. Foreman did say he was afraid of Frazier and it was evident in his excessive pushing until he started scoring knockdowns, but don't see that happening with Liston since he wasn't knocked down until he was much older.
Holmes has the tools to drag George into deep water, I'd slightly favor a peak Liston over George. Joe Louis? I simply cannot envision Joe standing and trading shots with Foreman.