How many heavyweights could have beat Caracas Foreman?

1. Foreman fought Young in a completely different manner than he did Norton.

2. Norton wasn't able to extend Foreman like Young did (as I stated, Young unlike Norton, fought a Foreman who didn't give in to his natural aggression, and instead tried to pace himself, and box a little bit. Had Norton faced this version, it's very possible he would've lasted longer than 2 rounds) to the point where endurance would become an issue.

3. Foreman had quite a bit longer than 24 hours to acclimatize to the environment when he fought Norton (not that Norton would've won either way).

4. It was not nearly as hot in Caracus then it was in the Caracas Polyhedron Arena as it was in the Coliseo Roberto Clemente stadium.

"The TV lights had created more heat at ringside than in any recent bout except for the Ali-Joe Bugner title match in Kuala Lumpur that was seared by the tropical sun."
https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/109634427/

"George Foreman spent an hour in a hospital, treated for exhaustion and heat prostration after their 12-round heavyweight fight here last night."
https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/109634373/

 

Neither had Puritty, Sanders or Brewster, before they beat Wlad. Not only that, but, other than Wlad, they beat ONE Ring-rated opponent between them (Brewster W TKO 1 Golota).

By the way, which "skilled shws" (with athleticism and massive power) did Wlad beat?

In all that time and all those 'defenses'...

What was Wlad's best performance?
Who was Wlad's best opponent?

When did we ever see Wlad really extended in a fight he went on to actually win?

 

You also have to take into account how strong the divison was in Wladimir's era and in all honesty it wasn't that good was it ?

And it was made more dull due to the fact that the two best Heavyweights at the time Wladimir, Vitali, could never fight eachother.

So we were left with a pretty boring reign from Wladimir in pretty weak era in which Wladimir jabbed and clinched his way against over matched opponents.

Wladimir's best win is probably over Povetkin and what a dire fight that was, can you honestly tell me that was an impressive performance with a straight face ?

 

It's a shame that you lack the data from Caracas+Foreman's airline schedule to further your theories.

 

I would add that Povetkin was a modest but not a massive talent. He'd have been a competitive but very beatable commodity in almost any era.

Moreover, Wlad/Povetkin should have resulted in multiple point deductions and a DQ.

The only other wins - 'vaguely of note' - are Byrd (blown-up LHW) and Peter (Captain Caveman); both of whom are considerably overrated on these forums, in their own ways, and neither of whom are comparable to an ATG in Big George.

Wlad simply did not operate at the level that Foreman did.

 

Good post overall mate, but still, as I mentioned earlier in Boxing News, these words were right on the money:

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If they'd have added anything about George seeing Jesus then this would have been totally nailed on. He really could have done with a Hail Mary when he needed it most.

 

He subsequently went on to consistently beat many heavyweights I would rate as better than Purrity and Brewster which makes me question the relevance of those fights. If they were an indication Foreman would win it seems strange that Povetkin Haye Thompson couldn't beat Wladimir as they were seemingly better than Brewster and Purrity.The evidence seems to overwhelmingly point to improvement on Wladimirs part.

As to his best wins probably Povetkin Byrd Pulev maybe after that Thompson

 

The funny part about his point is that Foreman beat one ranked fighter in his entire comeback and only beat four of them in the 70s.

 

Either, in both the first and last instances you mention "Foreman" in this post, you meant "Wlad", or I'm really confused.

 

I will watch this as I respect your opinions but Gerry was a loooong way from his prime by the time Spinks got to him and I find it hard to believe you think a KO over a washed up Cooney would give us evidence Mike could beat the human wrecking ball of peak Foreman? Also if Iron Mike could freeze Michael with fear I imagine Big George may have a similar effect.

 

I don’t really buy that Spinks was frozen with fear. He tried to offer resistance until the last punch but couldn’t time Mike’s head movement.

Cooney wasn’t that bad when he fought Spinks. He still had power and boxing ability. He was competitive until Spinks figured out that he couldn’t deal with angles and beat the crap out of him.

Spinks wasn’t easy to knock out. Cooney, Holmes over 24 rounds, and Qawi failed to stop him.

Foreman wasn’t a counterpuncher and wouldn’t be timing in between Spinks’ punches. Foreman in his prime was pretty good at cutting the ring off but Spinks had really good lateral movement.

If Spinks got out of the early rounds, it would be a bad matchup for Foreman since Spinks had a lot of Young’s qualities but more pop.

 

Very interesting points as always and I will rewatch this weekend and see what I think.

 

There are a few 'funny parts' in there, but Thompson being mentioned amongst Wlad's best wins is the funniest.

 

Watch his fight with the ranked Krasniqi. Thompson could fight.

 

Ranked by who? 'Ready for Retirement' Magazine?