What I'm getting at is that when it mattered most on the big stage, he lost. To have the hype that Tua had without ever holding a belt says everything. Tua was a fighter who was routinely outboxed by mediocre fighters such as Izon, Maskaev, and Rahman. To Tua's credit, he found lightning in a bottle and stopped those guys late. But, I watched those fights live, and Tua's weaknesses were glaringly obvious. George Foreman would have pummeled Izon, Rahman, and Maskaev in a couple rounds max. He would have likely beaten up the short, plodding Tua badly as well. (regardless of the fact that Tua had an excellent left hook). Other than punching hard, there is nothing on Ike or Tua's resume that would make me favor them over prime George Foreman.
They both had better stamina and chin. Tua definitely had better defense and probably a harder left hook. Ike isn’t the same guy as Tua though.
It's just the physical attributes of Ike Ibeabuchi and his power that gives him a serious chance here
I don't think that Ike has NO chance here. He was a strong dude that hit pretty hard, and seemed to have good endurance. But, he is way more of a "what if" fighter than even Edwin Valero (who in my estimation demonstrated more talent than Ike). I am not sold on Ike's skills. He was getting out-boxed pretty easily by Chris Byrd, and he beat almost no real contenders other than Tua and Byrd before melting down outside the ring. What George did to Frazier and Norton (among others) is light years ahead of what Ike actually proved in the ring. But, I would have loved to see Ike vs George. Could very well be a lot like Foreman-Lyle.
Foreman hits Ike and Ike goes down. Maybe gets up then goes down. Ref stops. Foreman cuts and busts him up with that jab. There are a few scenario. I do agree that if it gets into deep water Ike’s chances improve. If he can take Foereman’s punches early then he is going to gain confidence. I don’t think he is good enough defensively to avoid George’s power.
Frazier would the favorite. It would be a vicious fight. Ike has size but hed find Joe much slicker, quicker and sharper in the trenches. It would be all action. Norton was chinny but Ike wasnt a huge puncher. He has good power but they both could box. He would have to catch Kenny early to get a knocked out. Otherwise it’s distance fight. Both of these are good matchups.
Exaggeration Patrol: Ike threw the most punches EVER by any HW with a staggering 81.25 for 12 rounds-vs. Tua. Though that is not 100 per round or very close. You would have to call that fight Ike's peak & we weighed in at 235, not 240. So 30 lbs. heavier than prime Frazier, due to height & upper body mass. Which likely was enhanced by steroids. Still, even with only 20 fights, with his stamina & ability he would be dangerous for Foreman.
Ike maybe faster with better endurance, but its doubtful he was as physically strong as Foreman was. I can easily envision anytime Ike try to set up something Foreman pushing him off balance and blasting him while he was off balance. Same thing he did with Frazier and Norton. Ike would be in front of Foreman. A very bad place to be. I like Foreman in this one. Besides, Ike only fought one opponent that was a real threat to him and that was Tua. That fight was the best Tua looked his entire career. We don't know if Ike improved after that fight, or declined because the rest of his career none of those opponents were actually a threat including Byrd. Beating one live opponent don't make one a great fighter though they both looked like world beaters the night they fought. Look at what Tua accomplished after they fought...... Not much.
Ike is clearly better than Foreman Foreman get KO by many men in his prime while Ike no Ike better chin, speed, stamina, problably the best heart in boxing, great power, good defense, even a prime wouldn't stand against Ike
Foreman vs. real world Ike: Foreman by TKO. Foreman vs. Classsics Forum Ike: Ike by KO, then beats Frazier and Ali the same night
We never saw Ike deal with a dangerous guy like Foreman who is as tall or taller and stuffs that bigjab in his face. That would be an obstacle for the Prez. George's follow up thunder hurt and moved guys even through their gloves. He could move you with a glancing blow. Sometimes that sets up the next punch.
