if Foreman learned to punch with better foreman and learned the trade more

Should it read if Foreman had good technique and great footwork, instead of stumble bunny footwork?

 

How much better could he have been?

1. He won the Olympic Gold, which meant he was best of the best of amateurs.

2. He beat Smokin' Joe for the belt, and then defended it until the only man in History who could possibly beat him stepped up. The Ali that beat Foreman that night was unstoppable against any HW, including the gay Klit bros, Lewis or Tyson.

3. He came back 20 years later to reclaim his throne at age 45.

 

This basically says it all for me...

I really don't have much to say about Foreman's skills, other than that the 70's version could have polished up his defense a tad, and perhaps paced himself a little better early, but that's about it. Foreman was a fighter who utilized both hands, had a good jab, cross, uppercut, etc, and new the value of such things like working the body. He also had a sense for when a fighter was truly hurt, or just playing possum, and didn't waste time in finishing them accordingly....

Having a fancier style like Louis might either have helped him or hurt him.

 

I guess what you are asking is:

"What if we make him into something more like Sonny Liston"?

I think he would have been more effective against boxers like Peralta, Ali and Young but might not have been so spectacular or quick in demolishing guys like Frazier.

I think in that case he could have gone further in his first career but then he could have gone further anyway if he had not retired.