Inspired by Sugah Jay's thread on Clay/Ali. Consensus being that Foreman was at his very best from Kingston 1973 - Zaire '74 (inclusive) how about two post prime versions of George ? The post Zaire man who beat Lyle and Frazier for a second time but lost to Young up against the best nineties incarnation who put up a good losing display with Holyfield
The best 90's version of George is still nowhere near the force a 70's Foreman was. You have the obvious improvements in style like his jab and pacing, and even the extra pounds of bulk that helped him ship punches better. But as a force of nature the 70's Foreman, even post Zaire, was a monster. I was a huge fan of 90's Foreman too.
I agree that '76 George beats '91 George. Would be competitive for a few rounds,though,until the younger guy starts scoring frequently with his big shots
Gotta go with young foreman It would be a slugfest and to make it more fun, foreman was never quick so speed wouldn't come into it that much. In the end, the lack of stamina and movement would mean '91 Foreman would be likely to yield first as his younger self keeps throwing bombs This is probably one of the most entertaining fantasy fights any boxer could have against himself, alongside morales vs morales
Not that I've heard or read. He did say once,however,that his 1991 version would have outpointed the Zaire Ali. I find that laughable
It's not unreasonable to give the older version a shot though. One thing he did very well - and something the younger version did not do - is learn to pace himself. What if, for argument's sake, the younger version is still trying for the KO in the 4th, 5th rounds? I would not be surprised if 90's Foreman would be the fresher fighter at that point. The older version was about as immovable as it got, and while it's certainly fair to say he never faced the biggest punchers in the division during his second career, he did face some stiff hitters who could not budge him. I would be a fool to pick against the younger version, but old George has some qualities that would be a good antidote against his younger self.
People forget prime Foreman could box a bit. He was always good at blocking shots with his hands out and throwing short punches off the block, and had a reputation for a good left jab when he fought Frazier. The older George had improved his pacing, but I don't think it would be enough to compensate for the physical decline. It'd be a good fight, but my money would be on the younger man.
Young Foreman would get to the older guy before the experience of the older guy gets put into use but should he survive the older guy takes over over the gassed younger
If young George were going to beat old George he'd have to batter him into oblivian and preferably early. Old George had good defense, better energy conservation tacts, threw straiter punches and could still crack.
Young George would probably outscore his older self 2 -1 in power punches. This would tell by the time the fight was half over.
