So, could Hrgovic win the Rumble if we swap him in for Ali?

At 34 years old and with a stoppage loss to Dubois ? Not likely

 

No because Ali being Ali and the fight being in Zaire were fundamental to the outcome. Ali was an expert in getting in people's heads and this combined with Foreman's paranoia made it so he was freaking out after a few rounds. Due to tie rounds Ali had only compiled a 3 point lead and Foreman still would have had a chance if he was game for the 2nd half. But Foreman was checked out. If his opponent was Hrgovic and they were fighting at a traditional venue he wouldn't be.

I would agree though if you have to pick someone from this era to beat either version of Foreman Hrgovic is the best choice. Substantial and reach advantages, a killer jab and an iron chin. But attributes aren't all equal.

It's hard to compare the best chins like Ali, Jimmy Young because there's so little failure to base that comparison on. Hrgovic has a very good chin and he might even have the best chin in today's HW division. But here's two reason to think his chin isn't Ali/Jimmy Young tier.

A)Zhang has let his 4 of his 6 best opponents come back from knockdowns. The value of doing that isn't that high and has more to do with Hrgovic's class as a fighter.
B)Hrgovic came back from KD's against Zhang and Moses but Ali and Young didn't come back from a knockdown against Foreman they stayed upright the whole fight. Judging wasn't uniform yet when Ali/Foreman/Jimmy Young fought but under today's rule a KD is worth two rounds.

If Foreman got Ali down in R1 or R2 "Rope a Dope" probably fails. Coming back and surviving the whole fight probably won't be enough here.

 

He's not even close lol

 

Who you taking?

 

I'd have the likes of Fury and Usyk miles above Hrgovic. I'd have Parker ahead of him as well.

 

Fury got knocked down 6 times by Wilder and Ngannou and again by Usyk. For a guy his size he's not durable at all. Foreman's will have a field day with Fury.

Usyk doesn't have Hrgovic's height and reach. Usyk loses too many rounds too consistently. Foreman's much better then Dubois, Fury, AJ and Chisora.

Parker is just about at the bottom. If Wardley could get Parker what chance does Parker have with Foreman?

 

I never said any of them would beat him

Fury and Usyk are miiiiiles better fighters than Hrgovic and have reasonable styles to compete. Hrgovic think defece is built around de house ffs. Do you really think a plodder who can't dodge a punch is the best bet to beat Foreman?

Wardley beat Parker yet Parker beat other massive punchers. Trying to use one night as a base is fragile to say the least.

 

No one could take Foreman's punches the way Hrgović did for 8 rounds. Not Hrgović, not Ali.

 

But he wouldn't have to. Young George was predictable, no guile. Hrgo, or any decent fighter isn't 'taking his punches all night'. George's style allows a fighter with good fundamentals to exploit the gaps. The size difference is only significant if the opponent is skilled and Hrgovic's attributes make him a very difficult night for young George. His jab and short counters will keep George off balance and George won't manage that basic but effective 'push off and punch' against him. I don't think Hrgovic is the second coming, I didn't 'rate' him before Moses fight but watch the fight back. He controlled the pace, his positioning was flawless and his tactics were very good. He didn't just win because of his chin.

I'd back Frazier against many much bigger men, but George was all wrong for him. Styles make fights. Anyone picking Hrgovic to beat young George isn't saying Hrgovic is a better fighter than Foreman, they are sinply saying the same thing. Styles make fights. I'm not saying Hrgo beats him, my jury is still deep in conversation about that, but its a 'hung' jury for now and I can see both arguments as each side has some compelling 'witnesses' from history.

Peace and love, Px