George Foreman never sat between rounds after his come back. Was he like that his whole pro career, or just after his comeback?
He said that, due to his size, he would have wasted too much energy getting up and down so he just stayed on his feet and rested on the post.
he also said he did it for a psychological advantage. He would be able to look over at the other corner, still looking physically big, and his opponent would think "here I am tired sitting and this guy is standing" he didnt start it till his comeback though. not sure if he did it right away from the first comeback fight or not :think I remember Gil Clancey (who did the commentary when George didnt, which was of course during a fight) talking about one draw back. George had some swelling over his eye, and angelo was putting the enswell on it, but was reaching way up of course. Gil made the point that Angelo wouldnt be able to get much pressure or force on it like that (he was already in his late 70s, and reaching far up). and he would be able to do a better job with george was sitting so he could just push it right now.
I know Ray Leonard was commentating during one of Georges fights and Ray said that you have that minute, you need to take advantage of it and rest. For any of us here who have boxed and I'm sure that is 80% here, I can really appreciate the type of endurance George had to be able to stand between rounds. That corner would look like ****ing heaven between rounds for me. Ray Leonard, who has supersonic conditioning, seemed impressed with George being able to do that.
I highly doubt 80% of ESB have ever laced up a glove. I always thought about that too, George was such a big guy that sitting down and getting back up every round might take a little to much effort. He mentioned he abandon roadwork for the last years of his 2nd career because of his knees. I'd imagine that had something to do with it. But yes it has to be a huge psychological advantage if you're dog tired and old man foreman doesn't bother to sit down. I've thought about taking this approach in my amateur fights before but I'm with the ray leonard school of thought, take advantage of the minute you have
I could imagine sitting in a corner, with head down trying catching your breath and seeing the other guy standing up relaxed. That would be very difficult to maintain morale, if the guy is bouncing around smacking his gloves together, even moreso. Whisper to your corner guy; "pssst! throw in the towel OK?".
I never boxed, wanted to when I was young but honestly Im too good looking haha. I have great respect for the endurance that boxers have, other athletes as well. I will say that an accompished boxer will have a better understanding and respect of this endurance. As for Foreman, just an extraordinary person. I believe in the Cooney fight they remarked after the first round that George remained standing to try to gain a pyschological edge. But how George competed at that level at such an advanced age from an endurance standpoint is beyond me. Just a super tough dude, I love Georges awkard power shots in his comeback, for example the first shot that gets Cooney in trouble Was a wild looping right and a left hook/uppercut, george looked almost comical throwing these shots but his power combined with that antitechnique was so effective.
Haha, i think it was because in his comeback he wanted to prove the one thing that was worst in his first career was his stamina and wanted to change that in his second, thats why he used the jab and made his style different wanted to prove something
Leonard appreciated his rest between rounds like most others. But when he fought Hagler he made a point of getting to the centre of the ring before Hagler in every round. Ray's camp had noticed how Hagler was always first to the middle in his bouts and decided that beating him there was a good psychological ploy.
To think if Ali had to face a standing George Foreman, complete with monocle, parrot and cape? Marinate on that awhile...
He stood only in the comeback. But he didn't only stand,he lounged. He was partially acting for that mental edge. Over in the other corner was some younger,faster fighter gasping for air and George lounging casually in the corner. George was a showman in the comeback. Remember,he even paused mid fight to smile at photographers-most notably during the Alex Stewart fight.
Envisions mankennydingo sauntering in to the ring in his underpants and a perpetual look of bewilderment setting on Ali's face for the next fun filled two hours. As for George, all animals know the psychological advantages of holding the higher ground. Loved George and his not a single **** was given that day expression in between rounds.
Ali proved he was one of the smartest fighters ever, he made damn sure not to rematch George. Smart move.