‘Big’ George was a dominant force within the heavyweight division during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, before capturing the world heavyweight championship for the first time with a memorable win against Joe Frazier in 1973.
He walked away from the sport in 1977 after a number of difficulties inside and outside of the ring, but made a sensational return 10 years later, going on to become the oldest world heavyweight champion in history.
‘Iron’ Mike is another accomplished heavyweight who was at his formidable best throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s, as he became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history when he defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986.
He went on to make nine defences of his heavyweight crown, picking up the undisputed championship along the way with wins against Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and Frank Bruno.
Holmes was beaten by Tyson in January 1988, suffering a fourth round knockout defeat at the hands of the fearsome younger man.
Speaking about both men ‘The Easton Assassin’ believes Foreman ‘couldn’t fight’ and banded him the ‘biggest phoney’ in the sport.
“Everybody know that George Foreman can’t fight, everybody know that Tommy Morrison kicked his butt, everybody know that Shannon Briggs kicked his butt, everybody knew that he wouldn’t fight me .. George Foreman is the biggest phoney ever.”
On Tyson, the former champion said he could never have survived in his era.
“Everybody in this room here would’ve been able to beat Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson was born [in the right era]. You’d have never heard of him [in my era].”
When predicting a clash between the two to Sky Sports Boxing, Holmes believes Foreman would have knocked Tyson out in the first round.
“George Forman would win in two seconds, he hit too hard.
Anybody come at George Foreman you got to box like I did, or Ali did, you can’t stay there and take those punches. They take your head off. Bam, bam, it’s like the kitchen sink he’s hitting you with.”
‘Iron’ Mike made a sensational return to boxing last November, losing to YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul over eight rounds at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
