Muhammad Ali Had No Doubt Who Would Have Won George Foreman vs Mike Tyson: “He’d Annihilate Him”

Muhammad Ali had extreme respect for both George Foreman and Mike Tyson, but had the pair ever met in the ring ‘The Greatest’ was in no doubt who would have their hand raised come the end of the fight.

Ali of course faced Foreman in perhaps his most famous night, The Rumble in the Jungle. He force ‘Big’ George to tire himself out before winning by eighth round stoppage.

Though Ali’s era did not cross over with Tyson’s, Foreman made a sensational comeback in the nineties and was very close to facing the ferocious puncher. Ultimately, the match-up didn’t happen, as Foreman had one thing on his mind, regaining the heavyweight world championship, and ‘Iron’ Mike had been relieved of his belts in a shock upset against James ‘Buster’ Douglas.

Had they ever exchanged blows, Ali told the Seattle Times in 1990 that he had his former foe as the winner by KO.

“George Foreman will knock out Mike Tyson. He will annihilate him. Foreman will knock Tyson out in four or five rounds.”

He then went on to explain why.

“Foreman is taller, has more reach and Tyson comes right in. Foreman will use his reach and wait for Tyson to come right in. Then, Foreman will tag him. The longer it goes, the more chances Foreman will have to tag him.”

Ali felt that the competition Foreman faced in his first run would stand him in good stead against the younger man.

“Back in the ’70s. we had fighters like Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, just like we had guys like Sonny Liston in the ’60s. Now the fighters aren’t as good. Foreman would knock out Douglas with one punch.”

Tyson has since said that he regrets not facing Foreman to settle the debate as to who hit harder.