George Foreman, a career of unfulfilled potential?

I don't think he was going to age well post 1977 without the necessary adjustments that he made for his second career. His comeback style featured a vastly improved defense, straiter punches, better paced tempo, and neutralizing tactics to better tie up an attacker. He also had mental focus and clear mind. Without these things his career would have taken a dive somewhere between 1977 - 1981... In fact, it DID take a dive.

As for his being weakly matched during his rise to the title in the late sixties-early seventies, his opposition wasn't as poor as some make it out to be. George Chuvalo, Boone Kirkman, Gregorio Peralta, and yes even Chuck Wepner ( whom George sparked in only his 4th pro fight ) were not bad opponents if proportionately put into perspective. What's more, is that his high level of activity and consistent ability to perform well is part of what got him to the upper tier of heavyweights. I don't have a problem with his resume in the 70's or in the 90's.