How could Frazier have EVER beaten Foreman?

[marbleheadmaui]

On a DVD I have (I think it was Champions Forever though I could be mixed up) George says about the first fight that he heard the left hook come whizzing past his face and knew he had to get rid of Joe quickly after that. Now had this punch landed on George and ultimately KO'd him the whole landscape and history of the HW division could have been changed. For me though that is Joe's only chance vs George, to land a big shot early. Joe was Tailor made for George and if they fought 100 times I'd struggle to see Frazier winning many and any that he did would have to be 1 punch KO's which isn't an easy thing to do to Big George.

Big George has ALWAYS been extremely kind and respectful in his comments about Frazier. He says things like you noted and other times he he said he knew Frazier would struggle to quickly reach the same peak he had against Ali and so George took him before he could. In short he acknowledges that he never beat the very best Frazier.

I often wonder if that's how George genuinely feels or if he is just being the classy man he has become.

[rjj tszyu]

On a DVD I have (I think it was Champions Forever though I could be mixed up) George says about the first fight that he heard the left hook come whizzing past his face and knew he had to get rid of Joe quickly after that. Now had this punch landed on George and ultimately KO'd him the whole landscape and history of the HW division could have been changed. For me though that is Joe's only chance vs George, to land a big shot early. Joe was Tailor made for George and if they fought 100 times I'd struggle to see Frazier winning many and any that he did would have to be 1 punch KO's which isn't an easy thing to do to Big George.

Big George has ALWAYS been extremely kind and respectful in his comments about Frazier. He says things like you noted and other times he he said he knew Frazier would struggle to quickly reach the same peak he had against Ali and so George took him before he could. In short he acknowledges that he never beat the very best Frazier.

I often wonder if that's how George genuinely feels or if he is just being the classy man he has become.

I agree he is classy. But Joe's power had to be respected too. I'd love to put a prime Foreman in todays division, I would guarantee carnage.

[generalbulldog]

Hell I don't even know if prime Frazier can beat the Foreman that fought Holyfield or Moorer. It's just Joe's style was tailor made for Foreman.

[brocktonblockbust]

I agree. 1991 Foreman still smokes 1971 Frazier.

[Frankie]

Frazier would've had to buy a gun and aim from a very safe place.

[marbleheadmaui]

On a DVD I have (I think it was Champions Forever though I could be mixed up) George says about the first fight that he heard the left hook come whizzing past his face and knew he had to get rid of Joe quickly after that. Now had this punch landed on George and ultimately KO'd him the whole landscape and history of the HW division could have been changed. For me though that is Joe's only chance vs George, to land a big shot early. Joe was Tailor made for George and if they fought 100 times I'd struggle to see Frazier winning many and any that he did would have to be 1 punch KO's which isn't an easy thing to do to Big George.

Big George has ALWAYS been extremely kind and respectful in his comments about Frazier. He says things like you noted and other times he he said he knew Frazier would struggle to quickly reach the same peak he had against Ali and so George took him before he could. In short he acknowledges that he never beat the very best Frazier.

I often wonder if that's how George genuinely feels or if he is just being the classy man he has become.

I agree he is classy. But Joe's power had to be respected too. I'd love to put a prime Foreman in todays division, I would guarantee carnage.

I think that's true in almost every heavy era.

[Master]

If Frasier could survive into the later rounds then he had a good chance of winning. Tying up George, moving side to side, and not getting pushed about as much. Joe had better stamina and endurance but was small in comparison to George.

[marbleheadmaui]

If Frasier could survive into the later rounds then he had a good chance of winning. Tying up George, moving side to side, and not getting pushed about as much. Joe had better stamina and endurance but was small in comparison to George.

But isn't that asking Smokin' Joe not to Smoke?

[Master]

If Frasier could survive into the later rounds then he had a good chance of winning. Tying up George, moving side to side, and not getting pushed about as much. Joe had better stamina and endurance but was small in comparison to George.

But isn't that asking Smokin' Joe not to Smoke?

Just until the first 5 rounds then he can start the bad ass work when George would be tired.

[Mars_ax]

Geezus, what ever happened to all the great American HW's, Guys like Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Holmes, Tyson, Holyfield, et al. Who knew that era would be the last great era for American HWs?

If Frazier didn't leave himself so wide open in his 1st fight with Foreman, did a better job of blocking Big George's big bombs, and caught Foreman with some of his powerful left hooks early in the fight, it might have changed the outcome. As it turned out Foreman just waded in with impunity, hit Fraizer with everything but the kitchen sink, with virtually nothing coming back in return.

[Mars_ax]

Frazier -Foreman I: ( it's kind of hard to see how Frazier could ever win a fight with Foreman ain't it )

[brocktonblockbust]

hit Fraizer with everything but the kitchen sink

Sadly, I think even saw the kitchen sink in there at one point in the 1st round. May have been that 2nd knockdown uppercut which I still marvel did not DECAPITATE Frazier.

[rjj tszyu]

One thing about Frazier is he had amazing durability and an undeniable will to win. How many people could keep getting up the way he did from the shots he did?

[Mars_ax]

One thing about Frazier is he had amazing durability and an undeniable will to win. How many people could keep getting up the way he did from the shots he did?

No kidding, and he never quit, the ref stopped the fight and anyone who doubts Frazier's heart needs to watch Ali-Frazier III, "The Thrilla", Frazier's corner stopped the fight, but Joe undoubtedly would have fought til he was unconscious.

[AdamGB]

Joe's style was all wrong for beating Foreman... It's like crashing your harley into a Humvee.

Styles aside, I think George was simply too big.