I must apologize to all if this thread was already started, but I'm curious as to why this fight didn't happen. What I've heard previously is that Quarry and Foreman sparred together and Foreman's camp called it off because Quarry was giving him a beating in these sessions. Foreman only ever admitted to being scared of Joe Frazier, before both of their fights. Was he scared of losing to Quarry in a real fight, with sanctioning bodies involved and money on the line?
Foreman in latter years admits he had a lot of respect for Quarry and he was the "only" guy he didn't want to fight. Of course, George regurgitates lines like that all the time, and said the same thing about Shavers. Really, Quarry wasn't going to beat George unless he potentially got to him around the time Young beat him. He'd be stopped on his feet.
Quarry had a good track record against Foreman style opponents ,eg Lyle ,Foster he would have given George a very interesting night s work I feel.
George said he ducked Jerry in a documentary about him. But I can't help but feel George was saying that to be nice. I never heard about him sparring with Quarry, though.
Quarry could be eratic at times but He did have the style to pose problems for Foreman, Solid Jaw,Very good power and better stamina than George (BAD COMBINATION) Foreman avoided a Quarry match and for a good reason, Jerry had an easy time with the BIG Slow guys he dominated a Prime Lyle, (HURT RON AND MADE HIM FIGHT TO SURVIVE) KO"D Shavers in 1, KO'D 24-0-24 KO Mac Foster, KO'd puncher Thad Spencer, Joe Alexander. It was not a sure thing but I would put my money on Quarry if they fought in the 70's
Yep, Quarry had some mental issues, but style-wise, he matches up very well with Foreman. Not sure if he could've taken big George though, because Jerry started to decline pretty bad around 73, right when Foreman hit his peak. But in 71 or 72, it's anyone's guess... tough fight for both. The early counter-punching, boxing version of Quarry would probably do best. His danger is being worn down (like Frazier did both times), but then again, Foreman's stamina wasn't the best either... and while Quarry was not that big a puncher, he could hit for sure (ask Shavers) and he was certainly in the same class as Lyle, who had Foreman out on his feet.
The Quarry fight was suppose to happen in the late Spring of 1974. Instead Ali got the title shot in Fall 74. George had just demolished Frazier, Roman, and Norton in a grand total of 5 rounds. Very doubtful that the Champion Foreman was afraid of Quarry (and I am a Quarry fan). The upcoming George of 71-72, Quarry could have outpointed. But by 1974 George was just too big and hit too hard. George 6' 3" 220 lbs, 80 + inch reach Jerry 6 ft, 200 lbs, 72 inch reach
Rumor has it the sparring session took place shortly after Foreman returned from the 1968 Olympics having won the gold medal. Quarry was much more seasoned at this time and beat young Foreman up a bit. By 1973, Foreman obviously was a different guy having matured and won the title from Frazier. Quarry simply did not beat great fighters although Patterson, Shavers, Lyle were all very good fighters. Foreman may have been leery of fighting Quarry as he knew Quarry was a fine counterpuncher with an excellent chin. However, had this fight taken place I believe Foreman was just too strong as was mentioned by other posters. Foreman TKO 6 over an always game Quarry
Quarry had immense success against guys with Foreman-esque styles (Lyle, Shavers, Foster), but of course Foreman is a league or more above any of those guys in terms of ability. At the least, I think Quarry would give Foreman more trouble than he gave Ali and Frazier. Ultimately, though, I think that what worked for Quarry against lesser fighters of the same model (hard counter-punching, steadfast durability, courage, endurance) would not hold up against a guy with as over-the-top an arsenal as Foreman.
Agreed, Quarry would have to weather the storm for too long before Goerge's stamina would be come a major factor, and while Jerry could punch I don't think he had enough to knockout George early. Those bombs of Foreman's would break down Quarry pretty quick, and although I think he'd have his moments, Quarry would be pretty much finished long before the midway point in the fight.
It seems like every few months this topic is brought up again. IMO Quarry has NO chance, none! Someone mentioned the fight was being discussed for a late spring 74 date? This being in Jerry's Alexander/Frazier 2 era? Come on guys. Regardless of what many might say Jerry couldn't box a lick, or at least thru out any idea of trying to box as soon as he got nailed with the first good shot from an opponent. I could see George sticking and moving in the first couple of rounds jabbing Quarry silly and eventually the big bombs would start coming. Jerry's style just lent itself to taking too many punches; he would be tagged in this mythical matchup multi-times and he's going to be out on his feet, ref steps in...game/set/match...