This content is protected Takeaways: 1. Foreman's left hook is a bone crushing punch. Truly wonderful punch that somehow doesn't get mentioned among the best left hooks in heavyweight history. His left hook was working even better than his right. 2. Foreman blocked/partially blocked most of Joe's left hook's, leaving Joe with 0 offensive weapons. 3. Joe had a good chin. He took dozens of hard hits before going down. Despite being past his physical prime, Joe was more mentally prepared this time around and unlike the first fight. Joe had a really good chin and i am convinced that he would beat any other puncher from that era- Lyle, Shavers, Williams etc. 4. Pains me to say it, but even the FOTC Frazier couldn't beat Foreman because he didn't have a big right hand and Foreman could avoid his left hook- Joe's only major weapon.
Frazier did a lot better this time around. As a matter of fact, he was the only victim of Foreman between Peralta II and Young to answer the bell for round five without having been dropped yet. While he may not have gotten the victory. this was a personal victory for him in of itself especially when you consider the shape he was in.
Great left hook and way more snappy than anything else he throws, probably suited Frazier with his bobbing and weaving style he was coming down to meet the hooks. You could be right on the prime Frazier losing to Foreman, it might just be one of those, styles make fights and Frazier would never have the tools to beat Foreman. It seems to be a swarmers worst nightmare when they come up against a massive puncher. But I like to think prime Frazier is just too busy for Foreman to handle. He is a lot more sluggish in this fight than he is in Ali I. Frazier was really target practice in both the Foreman fights, I can't see him being target practice when he is moving with a lot more fluid. On the other hand he was always a slow starter and Foreman was on you quick so maybe does early rounds where killer for Frazier.
My conclusions.....Foreman really had Joes number....which in itself is an astounding mind boggling thing...when you consider a prime joe could steamroll practically 99% of heavyweights in history...yet this man comes along at that time to end joes years of title reign? Imo...Lyle couldnt do that...not the early 80s Dokes..nor Shavers....its easy for me from the comfort of my armchair,limitless access to both their careers and opponents careers on YouTube and 50 years of hindsight and a fight academics mind honed from these pages to think it over...i could be wrong i could be right... Its sad to see joe fighting foreman this way...laughing and jiving...trying to dance...its a mockery...of a prime frazier.....the fear and brutality he inspired. I still think fotc joe shouldve come up with a better plan than this in 1972 ....by 76 he didnt got it no more physically or mentally.....youd think joe would need to stay right on georges chest...like a dog holding onto a mans ankle and boot....George's unparalelled footwork and balletic pivots stopped that dead in its tracks....Foreman had that other worldly shoulder/neck shrug that meant all joes sweeping hooks were blocked into innocuousness by foremans shoulders....his physical superiorities seem indummontable...the pushing and that dogbone like jab prodded in joes face....still im yet to be convinced...i think fotc joe...mentally knowing its his armegeddon.....prepared to accept his only chance is forcing a hard pace to drag it into the later rounds...could concentrate on riding the punches to evade them..concentrate on defence by smoking better not dancing away...and using his own pushing that foreman used on him to stay in the pocket..he should concentrate his limited offence to body punching and uppercuts to the solat plexus body and chin...forget the jab itll only mean joe is an upright target too long...he should also burrough his head low to force referee breaks....after 9-10 when george tires...than start the left hooks to the head more...its a HUGE if....it could be like rocky-drago...
Joe landed some solid jabs and a few quick rights. There were some decent hooks he landed as well but they didn't hurt George enough. They were always one at a time where Foreman was pumping both hands. The best one Frazier landed was actually in round 5. Early in the round Foreman misses wildly and Joe connects with a lefthook right on the chin. George stepped back but kept on fighting. Years later in his autobiography Foreman remembered that punch and said it stung. Frazier consistently going to the ropes each round was a sign of a shot fighter. Eddie saw it in camp. He asked George Benton why he did the same thing later in his career. Benton said "to rest my legs".
I disagree to an extent. Frazier made a good effort here despite being physically well past his best. He ran out of gas of course as he was incapable of sustaining the constant movement required to wear Foreman out. Frazier landed some good hooks but Foreman was able to avoid any follow ups and keep the pressure on. Frazier also managed to win some rounds against Foreman, or at least keep them competitive. Something people like to ignore. One thing is certain, Frazier absolutely cannot protect himself from Foreman's power without slipping him completely, and that makes for a slim margin of error. Even if he was in better shape, he's walking a tight rope and doesn't have much to hurt Foreman with. Foreman rolled well with the left hook as he was always expecting it. Had Frazier been in better shape, he might have fought the fight of his life and dragged Foreman into deep waters. Maybe ..but this is actually an excellent Foreman performance. He shows great patience here against a mobile target, and deliberately holds back for that reason.
