George Foreman (Cooney fight) vs Prime James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith

I think they both had tremendous heart. It's inspiring to see how much Ron got by with in that fight considering he'd been stopped by Ali, beat by Quarry, and got the hell scared out of him by Shavers. I don't think anyone could have predicted he'd nearly stop George.

In regard to the topic: this wouldn't be a Lyle type of slugfest, but I do see Bonecrusher getting some great shots in. Definitely stopping Foreman in his tracks at least once. Ultimately George lands a crusher himself and the Bone man gets soundly stopped in 8.

 

Big George gets rocked by Smith but he's not going anywhere.
A swollen faced George gets a decision over an equally battered Smith.

 

Cooney and Weaver was signed when Hercules was WBA champ but the WBA stepped in to make Mike fight Quick Tillis instead (I cannot remember why). It went to court and the WBA prevailed, killing the Cooney fight.

 

Foreman was much better and wind a clean decision off his jab.

 

It was an incredible, if sloppy ATG slugfest. Top shelf heart from both guys as you say. Ron did go thru some fire even if he was absolutely saved by the bell at one point.

Bonecrusher would probably have his moments, as long as he didn't shell up after feeling Big George's heft.