Public perception of George Foreman going into the first Frazier fight

Whad'ya know? I was wrong about what I said. http://news.google.com/newspapers?n...b9QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4V8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6176,2571228

 

I wonder where "sad and lonely at 54" went after I replied to him. :think

 

Foreman was too slow, too crude, and too untested against mostly insignificant opposition. Going into 1970, Mac Foster appeared to be the monster puncher among HW contenders before Jerry Quarry's electrifying upset revived his checkered career and blocked Mac from ever having a chance to test Smokin' Joe's chin. George and his brain trust knew better than to take a chance on puncher's poison like JQ after that, something Lyle and Shavers later discovered. Going into January 1973, Foreman was not seen as the menace the more refined Mac Foster was going into June 1970.

Insiders knew something was amiss with Frazier going into Jamaica, and his post fight interviews following Daniels and Stander showed a lack of inspiration. He'd proved himself with the FOTC, and the chip was off his shoulder.

Started fast against Daniels, producing a rare first round KD, then displayed good movement against Stander, who seemed to be banking everything on backing Joe up. Frazier didn't like dealing with guys his own height he had trouble getting underneath, and everybody heard him mention that with respect to Daniels and Stander. He was geared for teeing off on taller targets like Mathis, Ramos, Ali, and stylistically may have preferred Bugner as an FOTC II tune-up. George appeared to be back in his comfort zone as that big tall target.

Except for Peralta, Foreman hadn't had anybody extend him in a serious bid to compete. Gregorio was in his late 30's, under 200 pounds, and extended George into the tenth round twice.

Many figured Foreman would hang around for a few rounds like Stander did, then wear down against an attrition specialist.

There was only one big money payday available in the heavyweight ranks, Joe was very candid that he'd defend against who came up with a sufficient offer for him, and Ali was steadily hyping up an FOTC rematch, but also understood that public anticipation needed time to build up. Muhammad had a solid 6-0 1972 campaign and seemed on his way to that return match, but maybe not for another year if all went well. He could compete frequently, but Frazier's body was only good to go for an average of twice a year since 1967.

 

Thanks man!

 

The article merely states there is a consensus Frazier may be slipping after the Ali war. It in no way predicts Foreman will roll over him or states that Frazier is "shot."

It also questions whether Foreman is too green to beat Frazier.

 

Nobody predicted Foreman would roll over him. But they saw, he clearly wasn't the same fighter who beat Ali.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?...AIBAJ&sjid=LkwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7308,4658359&hl=en