Friday 5th November 2021
Foreman stunned the boxing world
The praying colossus from the corner of the ring
George Foreman failed bitterly at the age of 25 because of Muhammad Ali. Twenty years later, he made it into the boxing history books with a success. He is the oldest world champion. Instead of immediately taking advantage of this triumph, he was quiet for the time being in 1994.
George Foreman quietly enjoyed the historic success. Over 15,000 fans raged in Las Vegas, people stormed into the ring after the aging boxing star had sent his young opponent Michael Moorer to the ground. But the bald colossus remained perfectly calm, knelt in the corner of the ring and prayed to God for minutes in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
That November 5th, 1994 was one of the most special days in Foreman’s long and successful career. At the age of 45, the American won the heavyweight world title for a second time – as the oldest boxer in history, 20 years after the bitter and surprising defeat as the favorite world champion against Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle”. Never before has there been such a long period of time between losing a World Cup title and winning it again.
The devout Foreman, who became a pastor in Houston, Texas after the first part of his career, stunned the sports world that evening. Moorer, at the age of 26 at the time, was ultimately unbeaten until then and also dominated this fight, but was completely surprised in the tenth round. Foreman hit with the left, put a chin hook with his right fist and finally reported back with the impressive knockout victory.
It was one of the really big evenings in the second part of his career. He defended the IBF title a few months later with a controversial victory on points against Axel Schulz, but gave the belt back shortly afterwards. Foreman retired after losing to Shannon Briggs in November 1997. Attempts at a new comeback, such as when he returned ten years after his resignation in 1977, all failed.