Young was a smaller, slicker, more economical fighter who was more relaxed and less prone to muscle/arm punching. Foreman on the other hand not only was an aggressive, ring-cutting power puncher, but also used his physicality as an integral part of his style (and had plenty more muscles to provide oxygen to in the process). Likely why he ended up in a heat stroke-like state after the fight. Foreman said over and over again that he took Jimmy Young lightly, thinking he can play with him and knock him out at a whim like his promoters asked him to do (which he almost did by Young's admission.) Being taken lightly and then giving fighters huge trouble is a synopsis of Young's career. Once again, much like in Zaire, Foreman was the architect of his own demise through arrogance and inability to understand the incredible danger of the conditions he was fighting in. Besides, Foreman after Zaire was just not the same, having changed his trainer to Gil Clancy, trying to shift the public perception of himself to more of a boxer type, and being in a bad place mentally Inferior performances compared to his best years, but George suffered an inconsistent career in general, which hurt his all-time great standing, whilst laying ground for the miraculous comeback career.
I took another look at the Light Heavyweight Champions. I don't see any in there, who, IMHO, I'd favor to defeat the best version of George Foreman. I see some who could probably look good for a while, but over 12 or 15 rounds? No.
I reckon James Toney might a chance out of all of the light heavyweights. James can take a punch (maybe not Foreman’s), and just might tire big George out with an inside masterpiece. James at 175 was a letdown compared to his other weight classes but I’m assuming his best self shows up for this fantasy fight.
Do you think Peters and Rahman really hit much harder then Foreman? If he can still take the same shots at 175lbs* he has a pretty good shot.
Not a bad idea, but I would focus on getting the right stylistic attributes. You need somebody who is mobile, has a great chin, and is a good boxer.
Holyfield didn't weight under 175 in any of his fights, but did fight and win CW titles at 190 or so. He'd be a favorite vs Foreman at 190, IMO.
