Who had the better comeback-Ali or Foreman?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Sep 28, 2025 at 4:37 AM.


  1. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

    29,706
    36,357
    Jan 8, 2017
    Which had the better comeback.
    Ali coming back from his exile to beat Foreman, Norton, Frazier etc?

    Or George , having a ten year lay off, to regain the title he lost twenty years previous?
     
    Fireman Fred likes this.
  2. Greg Price99

    Greg Price99 Boxing Addict Full Member

    5,065
    9,781
    Dec 17, 2018
    Ali's post exile win resume is obviously vastly, vastly superior to that of comeback Foreman's, whilst Foreman winning the lineal title 20 years after he lost it, is probably the most remarkable single accomplishment.
     
  3. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

    52,914
    44,736
    Apr 27, 2005
    The accomplishments are so different you virtually cannot compare them.
     
    Fergy, Fireman Fred, Bokaj and 2 others like this.
  4. Fireman Fred

    Fireman Fred Active Member Full Member

    614
    1,493
    Mar 8, 2014
    Had Foreman beaten Morrison..... kidding aside Ali´s achievement is quite increidible.

    A fighter who relies on speed and reflexes loses 3 prime years, comebacks from 2 tough defeats to beat Foreman, Frazier, Norton, Lyle, Bugner, Quarry, Young, Bonavena, Ellis and Shavers is amazing.

    And then humbled by 7 fight Leon Spinks he turns back the clock to win the heavyweight crown for the 3rd time.

    Love George but knocking out Moorer was magic but doesn´t compare.

    Looked great against a shot Cooney, china chin Adilson Rodriguez and gave Holyfield a good tussle in his most impressive comeback fight but not on Ali´s level.
     
    Fergy likes this.
  5. SouthpawsRule

    SouthpawsRule Active Member Full Member

    907
    1,117
    Jul 2, 2025
    Ali’s 70s run is the best run any HW ever had
     
    dmt and Fireman Fred like this.
  6. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,787
    4,203
    Jan 6, 2024
    I'm not sure you'd even categorize what Ali did as a "comeback" it was 3 years and there were no losses involved.
     
  7. MixedMartialLaw

    MixedMartialLaw Combat sports enthusiast Full Member

    1,762
    2,820
    Jun 30, 2021
    Why wasn't Foreman called up for the Vietnam draft he was in the right age range.

    Did the government feel he did enough for them by winning in '68?
     
  8. ThatOne

    ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member

    6,370
    8,736
    Jan 13, 2022
    Ali's comeback was more impressive. That being said given the context Foreman's defeat of Moorer is one of the most impressive singular feats in all of sports.
     
  9. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

    26,755
    17,816
    Apr 3, 2012
    Ali's comeback was better than Foreman's career.