George Foreman v Roy tiger Williams in 76 ,,,

Shavers was in a life and death struggle though vs Williams and only just about pulled it out after being completely exhausted.

Foreman’s stamina in his 1st career could be suspect and alot of people say Foreman wasn't mentally the same after the Ali loss.

So I think Williams's size and durability would be problematic for Foreman and whilst I don't think Williams wins the fight I think it would be a rough fight for Big George regardless.

 

I always like to read your thoughts on these match-ups. Very well informed and deeper than just their records.

I still think George had enough in the mental and physical gas tank to pull off this win. I do not think it would be easy, though, given his approach at that time. He seemed to be getting increasingly reckless. There is a version of Foreman that could really use that uppercut against taller fighters. If that one showed up it could be a lot easier night for George.

 

Tiger Williams is just the kind of opponent George needed multiple bouts against to learn that he could not knock out everybody, an opponent would could be relied upon to take him to the final bell, whether over ten or 12 rounds.

Roy would hold back as was typical, and as with Shavers, absorb everything Foreman had to offer. George desperately needed that experience after Kinshasa, but didn't get it prior to the ten year hiatus defeat to Young.

To get back to Ali, Foreman had to prove that he was at least capable of being competitive against the GOAT. In 17 fights from Peralta II to Young, covering from 1971 to 1977, George NEVER proved he could win over a distance longer than five rounds. He had no hope of getting a return title shot unless he could proved that. He needed safe opponents who could extend him to the final bell over 12 rounds. He needed guys like Henry Clark and Tiger Williams.

Between Kingston and Manila, Frazier had distinguished himself. Bugner was a 12 round war which led both to title shots. Joe didn't embarrass himself with Ali II, but did well enough for fans to want a rubber title match. Jerry Quarry II was an upset and perfect execution unexpected Futch masterpiece strategy, followed by a ninth round stoppage over a shopworn Jimmy Ellis in a rematch which at least gave Joe the several rounds of work and practice he really needed seven months ahead of Manila. He could only go a couple titles a year, but he was making those outings count, while Foreman reverted to tomato cans.

George could've easily gotten a quick pre Inoki return with Ali had he only jumped right back on the horse (as Muhammad did after the FOTC, Norton I and Manila) against resistant opposition like Tiger or Chark. He got his shot at Frazier through smoke and mirrors adroit management, but now he had to prove he deserved a rematch by impressing in ring performances, and he utterly failed there. Considering what happened with Foreman-Lyle, what happens when the wide open George gets hit by the much harder punching Shavers?