The 10 Most Memorable George Foreman Fights

George Foreman is a legendary heavyweight boxer known for his incredible power and tenacity in the ring. Over the course of his long and storied career, he faced some of the toughest opponents in boxing history, delivering memorable performances that have become the stuff of legend. Here are 10 of the best George Foreman fights of all time.

10 Memorable George Foreman Fights

1. George Foreman vs Joe Frazier I – January 22, 1973

This was Foreman’s first shot at the heavyweight championship of the world, and he made the most of it, knocking Frazier down six times in the first two rounds and earning a TKO victory. It was a stunning display of power that cemented Foreman’s status as one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing history.

2. George Foreman vs Ken Norton – March 26, 1974

Embed from Getty Images
George Foreman’s fight against Ken Norton on March 26, 1974, was a highly anticipated battle between two top heavyweight boxers. Norton was known for his toughness and defensive skills, but Foreman’s punching power was legendary. In the end, Foreman’s power proved too much for Norton, as he knocked him out in the second round with a devastating punch. The victory solidified Foreman’s status as the dominant heavyweight champion of the era and set the stage for some of his most memorable fights.

3. George Foreman vs Muhammad Ali I – October 30, 1974

Embed from Getty Images
The fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, famously known as the “Rumble in the Jungle,” was held on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo). Foreman was the reigning heavyweight champion, and Ali was attempting to regain the title he had lost several years earlier. In one of the most memorable fights in boxing history, Ali used his “rope-a-dope” strategy to tire out Foreman and eventually knock him out in the eighth round, becoming the new heavyweight champion.

4. George Foreman vs Ron Lyle – January 24, 1976

This thrilling fight saw Foreman and Lyle exchange blows in a back-and-forth battle that saw both fighters hit the canvas multiple times. In the end, Foreman landed a devastating uppercut that knocked Lyle out and earned him the victory.

5. George Foreman vs Joe Frazier II – June 15, 1976

Embed from Getty Images
In this rematch with Frazier, Foreman once again demonstrated his dominance, knocking Frazier down three times in the first round before the fight was stopped.

6. George Foreman vs Jimmy Young – March 17, 1977

In this bout against the crafty and elusive Jimmy Young, Foreman was pushed to his limits. Despite struggling to land his trademark power punches, Foreman was able to rally in the final round, landing a massive right hand that knocked Young out and earned him the victory.

7. George Foreman vs Gerry Cooney – January 15, 1990

This fight marked Foreman’s return to the ring after a long hiatus, and he proved that he still had what it took to compete at the highest level. Despite facing a dangerous puncher in Cooney, Foreman was able to wear him down and knock him out in the second round.

8. George Foreman vs Evander Holyfield – April 19, 1991

Embed from Getty Images
In this battle for the heavyweight championship of the world, Foreman faced off against the undefeated Evander Holyfield. Though Holyfield was able to outbox Foreman for most of the fight, Foreman’s power punches kept him in the game, and the fight went the distance, with Holyfield winning a controversial decision.

9. George Foreman vs Michael Moorer – November 5, 1994

Embed from Getty Images
This fight was one of the most dramatic moments in boxing history, as Foreman, at the age of 45, made an incredible comeback to win the heavyweight championship of the world. Despite being outboxed for most of the fight, Foreman landed a massive right hand in the 10th round that knocked Moorer out and secured the victory.

10. George Foreman vs Axel Schulz – April 22, 1995

In Las Vegas, Nevada, Foreman was the reigning IBF and lineal heavyweight champion, while Schulz was a relatively unknown German fighter. Despite being past his prime, Foreman was able to outbox Schulz for most of the fight and won a controversial split decision. Many observers felt that Schulz had done enough to win, but the judges gave the victory to Foreman, who retained his titles.