What if Foreman didn’t retire after the Young fight?

I think he was right to retire at that time. He was not mentally ready to keep fighting and he might have lost again and taken beatings and probably never had the comeback later. The fact he rested his mind and could come back smarter without taking much punishment in his first career and know how to pick his fights and use a more outgoing personality was brilliant. I think the way he marketed himself the second time was genius.

 

I don't believe so. Unlike most I'm not completely certain there weren't at least parts of Foreman that were better the 2nd time around. Slower, yes, but just as powerful and much smarter. IMO, if Foreman were wiliing to use his jab regularly, contriolt the distance like he did much of the time bit not ALL of the time (Rumble / Jungle) he likely goes down as the GOAT. But his youth just decided to KO everyone and that was what did him in more than once, IMO.

 

I do not believe the best Holmes would have beaten Foreman. I mean Foreman scored more points against Holyfield than Holmes did despite George giving up rounds. Of all the long reigning lineal HWs Holmes is the one who struggled the most consistantly while facing the worst competition. Holmes would be an alphabet champ.

Foreman would be gone relatively early but by 1985 or 1986 it'd be too late for Holmes to really be champ and put together a reign. Old man Holmes's success was more of a record padding thing in pursuit of title shots.

 

Holmes would have beat him far worse than Jimmy Young. Young didn't have Holmes' right hand, and his jab certainly wasn't on that level, either. Jimmy was mostly an amazing defensive technician and adroit counterpuncher.

I certainly would have given the prime Foreman (Norton era) a far better chance against 1978 Larry, but the guy who lost to Jimmy gets stopped in the late rounds of what would probably be a championship fight. Holmes in 14.

 

If he becomes stable and gets on the comeback trail, he could've been one of the best of the 80's- But it would still be somewhat unlikely for him to be better than he was in the 70's, even if he was entering what should've been his prime years. Maybe he could've beaten Tate before Weaver did and we would have two long reigning champs for most of the decade.

 

As much as I live big George and think Holmes is a bit overrated, actually think Holmes is a bad style match up for him. Not saying George couldn't win, but styles make fights.

 

Meh idk. If Shavers, Snipes, and Weaver got to him in his prime, I’ve no doubt Foreman would as well. And he’s a much better finisher than all of those men. Not to mention a much harder puncher with the possible exception of Shavers.

 

He’s got much better power distribution than Shavers & can readily hurt & KO men from both sides. He’s more energetic, & a far better finisher. Overall a lot more dangerous than Shavers, though Holmes did best Shavers with plenty of room to spare.