Styles aside, Big George had that Dick Sadler style of career with lots of smoke early on. Dozens of first to third round kockouts which the audience loved, sprinkled with ocassional recognizable name in Chuvalo or Peralta. Risk it when you have it, not before (or when you want it back post-Zaire.) Similar situation during his comeback, when he described picking the muscular, tough looking guys who he knew could be chinned. Add to that recognizable name like Qawi, Cooney, or Cooper, and you build an audience and anticipation to boot. There is a reason why during one of the Ring's panels, Foreman was named as the third or so greatest heavyweight ever by matchmakers (so the money side of the sport essentially.) He always attracted attention with knockouts, helped shape the trend of $$$ making title defenses abroad whilst running from American taxes, and during his second career displayed how much he learned from the old-time managers, navigating the shark infested waters into numerous title shots and 25mln fight offer against Tyson from China. To put it in perspective, Bob Arum (who after the initial comeback refused to pick up the calls from George) quickly offered him a three fight deal after Foreman already did all the work with promotion and brand making (puncher to preacher; nostalgia throwback fighter; path to redemption). Needless to say, he refused, knowing Arum would sell him out against three young, hugnry fighters and toss him aside like a broken toy, turning his comeback into the predictable old man story it was always at risk of becoming. Joyce's rise has none of that nuance. He build his record, stepped up with good names in Takam, Dubois, and Parker, and then bit too much in Zhang (neither Sadler nor Foreman would matchmake themselves into such fight before having the title.)
I definitely didn't think the same blud! I thought he was a top 5 heavyweight for sure and a force. But I definitely knew he couldn't beat Usyk and Fury. Usyk boxed rings round him in the WSB.
There were people in this thread on february like @Dynamicpuncher that knew you were wrong. It's not like people became a hivemind on February. You had a bad take. Happens to everybody. Admit it and move on.
Man, I wanted to believe that. From where I'm standing, Joyce is a pretty cool dude. Laid back. Would invite him to a BBQ for his company rather than his celebrity. That said, I watched Foreman vs Chuvalo, what...yesterday? And was reminded; George could move and was quick as well (which he doesn't get much credit for). They were nothing alike except that maybe Joyce had (had) an iron chin and heavy hands. Also, like the Second Coming George (young George might have been too mean to risk his company), seems to be somebody that I would like even if I didn't know who they were.
In as much as he's overrated and has been exposed by proper fighters, he's the same as Wilder. Glorified tomato can crushers.