Shannon Briggs Recalls Brutal Power of George Foreman

George Foreman will forever be remembered as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. He faced the very best, including Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. In the final fight of his career, Foreman lost a controversial decision to Shannon Briggs. Speaking on First Round TV, Briggs recently revealed just how hard Foreman could punch.

Shannon Briggs Recalls Facing Big George Foreman in 1997

Briggs Reveals Foreman’s Power

On November 22, 1997, George Foreman had what would be the final fight of his career against Shannon Briggs. It was a fight that saw Foreman mainly as the aggressor, while Briggs was often fighting off the back foot. The power of Foreman was more evident as the fight progressed and Briggs slowed. Many watching and at ringside had Foreman winning but surprisingly, one judge scored it 114-114, while the other two scored it 116–112 and 117–113 in favor of Briggs, awarding him the Lineal heavyweight title. Team Foreman subsequently launched an appeal to overturn the majority decision, but that appeal was denied. That was the last time we ever saw him in a professional boxing ring.

Recalling Foreman’s power to Darren Barker at First Round TV, Briggs said: “Nobody hit like George Foreman. George Foreman hit hard champ. He hit hard.”

“I got hit by a car one time. I ain’t gonna lie. I got hit by a car, I was on Utica Avenue. Utica in the boulevard. I got hit by a car, that’s how I felt when I fought George Foreman. That’s how it felt, champ,” added Briggs.

When asked if that’s how hard Foreman punched, Briggs responded almost immediately: “Yeah, I swear to God, I couldn’t believe it. He hit me one time, he knocked me out, but he didn’t know it. He hit me with another shot and woke me up. And I was like Jesus Christ, what the hell is going on.“

Foreman’s Legacy

The legacy of Foreman is intact and will live on for generations. His exceptional power and memorable wins over Joe Frazier and Michael Moorer ensure boxing fans will always remember Foreman. On March 21, the family of Foreman released a statement via his Instagram account, announcing to the world that “Big George” had passed away aged 76. His legacy lives on and Big Fight Weekend salutes Foreman.