Foreman's increased efficiency did not compensate for the dramatic loss of physical skills. He still had enough left to be World Class. But just the speed he lost-& recall his greater endurance was in part being less active-could never be made up for with ring savvy.
I'm pretty sure it was a case of Holyfield making his opponents look good. Foreman was getting chopped up by Alex Stewart a year later and Holyifeld was making Cooper look like Joe Frazier within six months of the fight.
Ask anyone who uses this laughable "Foreman was better in his second career" argument if they think a 70s Foreman loses or even goes the distance with Tommy Morrison. Trust me that argument will fall apart quickly.
What do you mean? 70's George and Morrison would have a technical chess match jabbing at each other and using feints to keep each other cautious. I think George wins by split decision, but Morrison's foot speed and ring IQ could give him the win.
Age certainly plays a part in how slow Foreman was, but some of it was deliberate. He fought in a much more relaxed manner and must have been aware of the stamina issues he had in his first career. He probably could have come out swinging with more intensity but to what end. He wasn't going to outbox prime Holyfield, but a slugfest at that stage in his career would have been dangerous.
Foreman said it best back then. He said something to the effect of if he knew how to fight Properly, how to Pace himself and be relaxed when he was in his physical prime he would’ve really been something. Old Foreman was a case of a fighter with advanced ring IQ, but who was is in no way in his prime physical form. All that being said 90’s Foreman up to Holyfield was still quite a handful. I feel like he dropped off considerably after the war with Holyfield. But he was still obviously good enough to throw a straight right hand, just at the right moment to turn around his title fight against Michael Moorer. Again, let’s not sell him short that guy that fought Holyfield in the early 90s would still be a handful for most.
Looking as a trainer, I would've hated Holyfield during that fight tho. He easily could have avoided most of those bombs. Lucky his beard is tougher than leather and even he said Foreman hit harder than Tyson. I disagree w him saying he didn't get hit flush by Tyson enough to gauge. Tyson still slipped in a few bombs but Holyfield was so unfazed most ppl don't notice or remember. Style wise I do favor Foreman but I'm not confident he would've beaten Tyson then.
I am, remember at this time Tyson was just really a slugger, he wouldn't be able to outslug Foreman IMO.
With a prime young Foreman I doubt Holyfield sees round 6, George would go right at him, cut the ring off, and engage with Evander who when hit would oblige.
No I get it, its a suicide mission on Tysons part especially since his style is so focal to coming forward. I think he can fight George to a decision but it would take everything out of him. I'd say the one from Ruddock battles could but after that, eh I dunno.