What If? Frazier vs. Foreman, March 1971

Yes, Eddie Futch noticed some things when he arrived in camp bout 2 weeks before his defense against Foreman. Ken Norton was there sparring with Joe. Frazier had always handled Ken in gym. Norton was giving it to him. Eddie immediately put Norton on vacation and then ask him "why were you able to work so effectively with Joe?"

Ken Norton responded "He seems to have lost his drive".

 

Seeing as Frazier is at his peak, and Foreman is still green in this scenario, I’d confidently put money on Frazier.

 

IMHO (No statistical proof, nor will I gather any): In top tier fights, conditioning is extremely important in about 90% of the fights. There is a roughly 10%, though, where it has little value, due to styles, or levels, or a combination of both.

For instance: What level of conditioning would allow Floyd Patterson to be competitive with Sonny Liston (to the point where victory for Floyd is a good possibility)? How about for Michael Spinks with Mike Tyson? Jess Willard with Jack Dempsey?

Could Frazier have been more competitive than he was in his first fight with Foreman? Sure he could have. However, I fail to see a path to victory for Joe. And I fail to see a way for him to go the distance with Foreman.

 

Swarmers have short shelf lives and sluggers are their kryptonite.

 

A short shelf life is not relevant here, as Frazier is at his peak in this scenario.

 

The second part of my equation is still operative. Foreman was all wrong for him. They fought twice and neither fight was close. It wasn't like Joe could have made some adjustments to secure a victory. He did try to adjust by fighting off his back foot when they met in Uniondale and just prolonged the inevitable. Movement gave George trouble, not fighters who came to him. Even Tommy Morrison figured that out when he beat Foreman 2.0.

 

Joe did get a second bite at the apple in 1976 and got stopped in the sixth round.

 

I remember watching that fight and hearing “After this Frazier and Ali plan for a rematch...” or something to that effect. I suppose he committed the boxing sin of losing the present moment.

 

your trolling me cause I said better shape stop it he wasnt in either match that match is overrated in favor of George

 

I'll make it easy so there's no confusion. George Foreman beats any iteration of Joe Frazier. You don't beat a bull by bull rushing it

 

he might have but no way does he destroy him like he did cause thats how you people make it sound

George aim was trash and he was slow its no way he runs though joe at his best so your easy had flaws

 

I've never heard this before.

I've often wondered about a fighter's sleep before a bout and how it affects his performance.

 

Source?