The Questionable Quality of Foreman's Opponents (1975-1977)

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by PolishAssasin, Nov 29, 2024.


  1. PolishAssasin

    PolishAssasin Member Full Member

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    Between his fight with Ron Lyle and Jimmy Young, Foreman faced: 5 men in one night (no real threat), Joe Frazier (another quick win over a past-prime legend), Pedro Agosto, John Denis (both average fighters), and Scott LeDoux, who lost via TKO in the 3rd round. None of these opponents posed a significant technical or conditioning challenge, which might have lulled Foreman into complacency and left him unprepared for Young’s difficult style. Do you think this choice of opponents helped him stay in shape, or did it lead him to underestimate Young?
     
    PolishAssasin, Nov 29, 2024
    PolishAssasin, Nov 29, 2024
    #1
  2. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think Young was always a tricky style for Foreman to overcome no matter what version of Foreman fought Young.

    Foreman had stamina issues in his 1st career so a very durable tricky defensive fighter like Young would always be a problem for him.
     
    Dynamicpuncher, Nov 29, 2024
    Dynamicpuncher, Nov 29, 2024
    #2
    TipNom, Smoochie and PolishAssasin like this.
  3. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    Yeah but he made up for it in his comeback against iron men like these two killers.

    This content is protected
     
    Russell, Nov 29, 2024
    Russell, Nov 29, 2024
    #3
  4. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 MONZON VS HAGLER 2025 Full Member

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    In the 70s literally only has a win over a past it Frazier, Norton wasn’t any good and neither is Lyle but Norton is good because he beat Ali and Ali is really good because he beat Norton.
     
    Journeyman92, Nov 29, 2024
    Journeyman92, Nov 29, 2024
    #4
  5. FThabxinfan

    FThabxinfan Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Norton did pose himself as a true problem and HOF by having Ali in his resume tbh,atleast not like Mike Tyson's title opponents...
     
    FThabxinfan, Nov 30, 2024
    FThabxinfan, Nov 30, 2024
    #5
  6. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic Who is ready to suffer for Christ (the truth)? Full Member

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    That's a great quality of opponents.
    Going through the trio: Frazier, Lyle and Young undefeated is a fantastic sporting success.
    Foreman didn't make it...
     
    ikrasevic, Nov 30, 2024
    ikrasevic, Nov 30, 2024
    #6
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  7. The Professor

    The Professor Socialist Ring Leader Staff Member

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    There is no question Foreman fought some softies in his first run, as all fighters do. What made him great, even before his 2nd 90s career, is that when he stepped it up, he delivered impressive victories over top tier opponents.
     
    The Professor, Nov 30, 2024
    The Professor, Nov 30, 2024
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