Foreman Vs Bonavena - 1970?

Not you, Journeyman. He hates many of the 70's boxers and tries to find a way to tear them down any chance he gets because he loves attention.

I wasn't accusing you of Picking Oscar to win just because you wanted to find a reason to say Foreman loses. You actually gave very detailed reasons for picking Oscar, I just strongly disagree. No short, aggressive, stubby armed fighter who comes forward beats Foreman whether you're talking about the 70's or 90's version of Foreman. That's my stance and I'm not budging on it. Nothing personal. I actually enjoy some of your posts, but I can't get behind the idea of Oscar winning unless it's like pro debut Foreman or another absurd matchup.

 

I don't see how Oscar can possibly do any better than Frazier, Chuvalo, or Scrap Iron Johnson who had some similarities in size and style. All 3 were manhandled and couldn't really impose their will or get their engine going to swarm and apply pressure. Foreman shattered or pried open their guards with his framing , shoving, heavy jabs, and uppercuts.

 

It is an absurd match up. Bonavena is out of 1970 Foreman’s class.

 

I think 1970 Foreman could indeed stop Bonavena before potential gassing became
an issue.

I’m in the midst of reviewing Chuvalo vs Bonavena, and at least in the early rounds Chuvalo is catching Oscar with quite a few jabs - no problem.

Of course Foreman’s jab in terms of execution and power was multiple levels above that of Chuvalo’s and I’m including the circa 1970 version of George.

1970 Foreman’s jab could’ve already been described as great - and it was being compared to that of Joe Louis, even at that stage.

Foreman would also be notably stronger than Oscar - he was clearly that much stronger than Chuvalo whom he hurled half way across the ring at one point during their fight.

If Oscar could hang tough and remain acceptably viable for say 5-6 rounds, then of course the fight begins to progressively tip in Ringo’s favour with each and every round thereafter.

If Chuvalo himself had hung tough for 5-6 rounds, he too might’ve had a shot at beating Foreman over the longer haul - but Foreman laid such a beating on him as to render him quite helpless in < than 3 rounds.

Young Foreman was a quite a phenom. Chuvalo lived to fight another day and still went 12 competitive rounds in his 72 rematch with Ali which was a bit closer than their orig. 1966 bout.

 

Of course. It's all enjoyable "bar talk," and I enjoy your posts as well. I am a contrarian to a certain extent, and like evoking responses to provocative positions. It certainly stimulates further discussion, enhancing the circulatory system of sites such as this.

 

Well, you're certainly doing your "homework," which can only be respected and appreciated.

 

Well said, Dr Anubis! The anatomy of a fruitful boxing discussion. Healthy and balanced doses of passion are more than welcome also.

 

I have a lot of respect for Oscar, he was strong, game, rough and tough, and it would be entertaining while it lasted, but my pick would be Foreman by knockout. George just had that freakish power that would have come through for him.