I've never bought into this "Foreman was scared of Quarry" myth. Anyone that is willing to take on Joe Frazier,Ken Norton and Muhammad Ali,had no reason to be scared of Jerry. Quarry would have got slaughtered if they'd have fought.
it was a rumour going round at the time.he may have actually said that he'd rather not fight quarry, which isn't the same as being scared.
True. George was also quoted as saying that he felt intimidated by Ken Norton. He did n't do too badly against him though
:goodi know, he said his knees were knocking.how would george have done with a bit more confidence:think
its difficult to associate the 1973 frightening george with the later cuddly version who was only doing it for the church
It wasnt a rumor George has admitted ducking Quarry several times. On his old website he had Quarry listed as the fighter he feared most while in his prime and in several documentaries he has admitted to flat out ducking Quarry. When they both worked out in the gyms in California George wouldnt even spar with Quarry because Quarry had a great chin, could punch, and most importantly (when his head was right) was a terrific counterpuncher, Foreman and his management knew that stylistically these three things would pose problems for Foreman.
During his post fight interviews during this era, George was always hesitant and evasive when asked if Jerry would be his next opponent, a stark contrast to Liston's expressed enthusiasm for taking on JQ following Sonny's stoppage of Henry Clark. The bottom line is that George did not fight Jerry, did not defend the title against him, despite the fact that Quarry's enormous popularity guaranteed a huge payday. Foreman was a huge puncher. So were Mac Foster, Lyle and Shavers. George had sparred with Jerry. He says today that he purposely avoided JQ. Taking into account things he said and did at the time, this seems like more than mere charitable revisionism. Styles make fights. Jerry didn't handle speed or attrition well. Big power hitters were a different story. He knew how to handle reputable sluggers just as Young later did. Foreman was an intimidator who had no hope of intimidating Jerry after sparring with him. Nor could he surprise and ambush JQ as he did Frazier in lifting the title. George didn't want Jerry any more than Tyson later wanted Foreman. Forget the words. What actually did and didn't take place? Coming out of 1973, Jerry had clearly earned a title shot. George certainly breathed a sigh of relief after Frazier dominated Quarry a second time.
Truth :thumbsup Foreman was at his BEST in them 2 fights when he felt intimidated - He said on ESB interview he was scared of Frazier as-well. :rofl Foreman Hoooook! :hat
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