How much of an Impact did Sandy Saddler have on George Foreman's Career or Personal Life?

As a fighter he probably had some influence but in terms of George’s career as a whole in terms of opposition and purses none. Outside of boxing I can’t imagine they had much in common. Watch the way Sadler boxed and then watch George you can see some of Sadler’s techniques at work. Their relationship was probably all in the gym.

 

On a personal basis, Sonny Liston played a huge role, but on a cornerman role Sandy Saddler, D. Sadler, and Archie Moore played a teaching role, trying to break him of the teachings by Liston. After his loss to Muhammad Ali, it was Cil Clancey. When George resumed fighting in 1987 and on, it was Angelo Dundee.

 

I always wondered what George’s relationship was with Sandy and Archie. Always hear him talk about his relationships with Ali, Frazier, Liston etc but never hear anything about those guys. Would like to know more haven’t had a chance to read a good Foreman biography.

 

Dick Sadler was a massive part of crafting Foreman's style. That's obvious just by watching him, I imagine Sandy was a figure whom he looked up to in reverence.

 

The business side of boxing is so cold. They change trainers and managers at the drop of a hat. But in the ring they gain a respect for each other. Watch Champions Forever. Imagine facing an opponent and at hide is your old trainer. No love lost after that. As mentioned by Richard George changed his team after Ali. Then again during his comeback.

 

Just strange to me. You’d think spending so much time together you’d gain a respect at least. Sometimes fighters need different trainers to learn something new I don’t begrudge them that. But I would hope one would keep a decent relation after. But you’re right you see that over and over again in the sport with a few exceptions.

 

That’s why guys like Hagler deserve so much praise not just as fighters but their loyalty. He waited years for a title shot. Then got shafted. He still stuck it out with the Petronelli’s right to the end instead of running out on them.

 

Yes D1ck put in the work and was very protective of outside influence and greatly restricted even Moore being able to work with George.

If Foreman and had been given more time and not moved with so much haste at the sight of blood in the water at the top of the division I think he could have been very, very good from a boxing stand point.

I will always maintain that George never reached his full potential he was a big strong guy who had barely any rounds when he smashed Frazier he was in the wrong era and should have been Larrys dancing partner.

 

True Dick Sadler probably did more damage than good for George’s career. The trainers George had had so much experience and knowledge. Instead of having George smash the **** out of them punch bags and later on Gil Clancy trying to completely change his style imagine if George had improved his technique.

 

Would changing his technique and style make a better fighter? Personally I feel Foreman fought to his strength. His physicality was his advantage. His trainers were wise enough to build on that. It worked! It worked the 1st part of his career, it worked the 2nd part. If you drive a Mac truck, you don't drive it like a Ferrari. Making a G.Foreman into something he wasn't designed to be would have been foolish in my opinion.
If Foreman fought in any era without Ali, he probably holds the championship as long as he wanted to.
Foreman unfortunately for him came along when the greatest heavyweight in history happened to be prowling the division also.
If their was no Ali, Foreman probably doesn't lose until he fought Holmes. And I'd bet a confident, focused Foreman beats him. Ali beat Foreman's mind. Holmes didn't have that ability.

 

I partially agree with your Mac truck analogy and the idea Foreman played to his strengths, which mostly worked except against the slick guys.

However even a Mac truck can use some fine tuning. Maybe a stronger engine and a tank that that doesn't burn through gas as quick, if you catch my drift. Better steering and handling (his boxing mind).

 

He was his father!