George Foreman
Big George (1973-1974) · 1973–1974
Foreman's elite Power (98) and strong Chin (78) define this era.
Greatest Rivalries
Ali vs Foreman: The Rumble in the Jungle
See Muhammad Ali's profileThe most famous sporting event of the 20th century. A 4-1 underdog invented a strategy in real time and reclaimed the heavyweight championship.
Head-to-Head
Head-to-head: Ali 1, Foreman 0. Ali KO R8 via the rope-a-dope strategy.
George Foreman was 40-0 with 37 knockouts. He had destroyed Joe Frazier and Ken Norton — both of whom had beaten Ali — in a combined 5 rounds. Ali was 32, past his prime, and considered washed by most experts. The fight was held in Kinshasa, Zaire, at 4 AM to accommodate American television.
Defining Moments
Turning Point
Round 8 of the fight. Ali had spent seven rounds leaning against the ropes, absorbing Foreman's devastating body shots while taunting him. In the eighth round, with Foreman exhausted, Ali unleashed a right-left combination that knocked Foreman down for the first time in his career.
The Verdict
Ali won one of the greatest upsets in sports history through intelligence, courage, and willingness to absorb punishment. Foreman was never the same fighter. Ali proved that brains beat brawn at the highest level.
The Rumble in the Jungle was a global event that transcended sport. It was staged in Africa for an African-American champion. It was the most-watched sporting event in history. Norman Mailer wrote a book about it. A documentary (When We Were Kings) won an Academy Award.
Career Numbers
KO Victories
89% KO rate
68
KO Percentage
89%
Title Defenses
3
Losses
5
Wins
68 by knockout
76
Season Stats · Big George (1973-1974)
Engine Attributes
Fan Debate
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