@@elrey1176 I saw that interview. Hysterical. Also in that interview he said that younger fighters stand in front of George thinking they're going to knock him out and THEY get knocked out. I think he just described Michael Moore!
U would be hard pressed to find an interview with George in the 70's where he smiled and spoke like this. He was almost always surly and intimidating to even reporters.
hammer44head he did speak normally and was quite social . You got him mixed up with Sonny liston who he got that intimidating look from but either way he was big and scary . Sonny liston couldn't be like that if he tried because he wasn't social
Letterman was really insulting talking about Cooney, people who never stepped in the ring usually are the big talkers. Foreman is a class act and funny as always.
Agreed....Big George had a lot of respect for Cooney and his punching power...I don't think he appreciated the remarks about his comrade in arms none too much. But in typical class form, Big George just waited, then resumed reality talk. Class Act All The Way...
In Letterman's favor he admitted as much at the end "I could never get in there like that" ...its a comedy show it's not the 6 o'clock news ..if he played straight man he wouldn't have a show you know?
During this time, I was Big George sparring partner. To prepare him for the fight, George had me throwing only left hooks for several. Picking up my timing, to defend against the left hook. Cooney was a left hook artist. So that's what he was preparing for. Of course you know the results .Well prepared!!!
yes!.. really makes you think about the psysics of striking.. only three out of 60 professional tough fighters?!? damn what do those guys do, that others dont..
@@Simp_Zone doesnt sound unique enough, that's just basic punching.. unless you mean to say that he could pivot his body unnaturally fast for his size, which make me think of Tyson's pivots. Also extraordinary, you may have got something here. tx.
@@Validboy I dunno it may have just been Cooney's unique style as well, he's a converted southpaw. Every fighter is different too but you gotta admit he really had a mean left hook, especially to the body.
George Foreman's personality transformation was one of the most remarkable of human achievements. Besides that, he is one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Word has it Tyson watched this interview and told Don King, No fucking way am I fighting George. You can see in George’s eyes that he wasn’t scared of Tyson and genuinely believed he would beat Tyson.
Great interview. George really turn himself around and did well. I was glad to see it after watching him in the 1st part of his career. Dave is a little hard on Cooney. Anyone who gets in the ring deserves some level of respect. Anyone who gets int he ring with George.....'nuff said. Tyson's style was made for Foreman. Wish that would have happened.
Rumor is, before Tyson turned pro, Tyson asked Cus how one would beat George Foreman. Foreman was retired at the time and Cus said, “There’s no way a fighter with your style and size could ever beat him. You need a tall guy who fights great on the outside.” Little did Cus know that George Foreman would come out of retirement a few years later calling out Mike Tyson. Cus wasn’t around to see it either. If the rumor is true, Cus’ words were ringing in Tyson’s head when George Foreman came out of retirement. @@affordableaquariumservices1663
Cooney had a great punching power. He lacked in defence and in being able to take punches. He had alcohol problem. In this fight, he came back from retirement and alcohol addiction. Letterman should have given him the respect he deserves. When Big George was saying he was among the top 3 hardest hitters he ever faced, how could someone make fun of that guy ?
He gave all his sons the same name so when he says George the four freezes all together !! lol He has such a sweet smile, what a difference from when he was young
Really, it's almost a modern day Cosell/Ali!, know doubt Big George didn't learn from Ali and, being a preacher, he said, I learned as an evangelist, if you don't make a bunch of noise, nobody's listening. (Ali). Great replay, thank you!!!!
For me Foreman was the best boxer ever,he is very strong and a very hard puncher,and he could take many hard hits him self and he just shaked it of and won,Forman had a very very big ❤️ as a fighters,and that makes him for med the best boxer ever,love u George Foreman🙏🙏🙏
@@TotallyNoCat Would've definitely been interesting. George had gotten pretty slow at this point, but still had great power. And he could take a punch as well as anyone, which IMO is why he'd have had a chance against the much shorter Tyson, who would have been vulnerable to George's big uppercuts.
@@dropwizerorders501 Yeah, I honestly believe he would have taken every punch Tyson threw at him. I think Tyson would be tired from punching George's face in and George not going down. Think Foreman would K.O. him in the 10th.
I never realised he was so charismatic. Honestly the only time I had actually watched on of his fights, up until a few days ago, is when he fought Ali. I honestly have to say is a top ten boxer. I wish he managed to get a fight with Tyson in the late eighties. My money would definitely be on George Foreman.
David Keir Ali ran from Foreman, Foreman admitted he was too cocky and they were in another country hot as shit, Ali's stamina prevailed, but had another fight happened, Winner by ko George Foreman.
Wilt Sorry I have watched that fight many times. Ali was in full control of that fight only losing two rounds. Most of George's punches either hit Ali's arms, or were dodged by Ali. Ali on the other hand managed lots of clean accurate combinations. I would watch The Rumble In The Jungle again if I was you.
David Keir What are you talking about? George was hitting his hardest body shots ever in that match, he outpunched Ali. Ali was a punching bag, you noticed their was never a rematch? Foreman would have killed Ali if they faced again, he was killing him in that match. So i don't know what match you are watching. Joe Frazier who beat the shit outta Ali, was dominated by Foreman. The guy who took ali's championship was dominated by Foreman. Foreman is the greatest Heavyweight champion of all-time. No one can defeat him, it took Ali's greatest effort to take out Foreman, a rematch in the U.S Foreman wins 8th round K.O.
Wilt The judges score cards were 70-67 69-66 68-66 all in Ali's favour. Source ringtv.craveonline.com/news/362089-rumble-in-the-jungle-retrospective-ali-foreman-40-years-later I'm sorry you're wrong. Ali was in full control of that fight. A lot of people only think Foreman won one round.
David Keir Most people had it tied, but Ali ran from Foreman, there was no rematch, and this is why Foreman is the greatest of all-time, Ali admitted in interviews how scared he is of Foreman. George caught a belt at 45, the only thing Ali got in his 40's was Parkinsons probably after taking blows from Big George.
Foreman would have beaten Tyson if they fought, the hardest hitter of all time, toughest chin and he beleived in himself. Tyson was a monster but he was scared of big george.
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx hell no! George would destroy Prime or Peak Tyson easily. Even CUS told tyson that he cant beat George. No swarmers could fight with george. For example , look up Frazier vs George. That's what would happen. Frazier had a better chin that tyson and even he couldnt take those bombs george was dishing out. Tyson avoided George twice , even before Buster Douglas fight
Most boxers today should learn from an old skool beautifully humble gie like George. These fighters now would never do wat hes done an dont av the respect he has. Its truly amazing! Theres one. Andy ruiz,!
As tough as Tyson was at the time. I knew that he ( Tyson ) even though George was the age he was, that Tyson had enough boxing knowledge to truly know that if he stepped in the ring with Foreman, that he'd be facing a guy that wasn't intimidated/ afraid of him & possessed some of most fantastic punching power that Mike Tyson had ever faced. I'm sure Tyson saw this knockout of Cooney & said yeah, wow there's some power. Tyson respected George as a fighter & as a person. It would've been cool if it would've happened.
Tyson had plenty of opportunities to fight Foreman ? Tyson turned down two offers in 1988 to fight Foreman . First offer came from promoter Dennis Rappaport for 500 thousand to be paid to Tyson tax free every year for the rest of his life if he would fight Foreman , Tyson could still be collecting on that deal today . Second offer came from promoter Bill Wheeler for 12 million for a fight in Seattle Washington that Tyson turned down also . In 1989 Tyson before the Douglas fight was offered 20 million to fight Foreman . But instead went to Tokyo Japan for only 6 million to face Buster Douglas . In 1990 both Foreman and Tyson fought on the same card together June 16th Tyson vs Tillman Foreman vs Rodrigues . They were supposed to fight each other after on the same weekend as Holyfield vs Douglas but Tyson also turned it down . Giving Foreman the first title shot against Holyfield ahead of Tyson . In 1992 Tyson went to jail for rape but when he got out in 1995 Foreman was the champ and had just won the title by knocking out Michael Moorer , Foreman was again calling Tyson out . Foreman's promoter Bob Arum first offered Tyson a 50 million dollar split out of 100 million but Tyson wouldn't take the bait . So Bob Arum made another offer to Tyson after the McNeely fight that the winner would get 80 million out of 100 million Tyson turned down as well . Bottom line is Tyson was scared to death to fight Foreman and didn't care what the promoters offered !
Big George is such a class act. Good of him to not let Letterman trash-talk Cooney and still be humble. God in My Corner was such a great read. I emailed him after I read it and he actually replied, thanking me. What a top bloke.
It's interesting that when George Foreman appeared on the David Letterman late night TV talk show after he defeated Gerry Cooney, he predicted that he would knock out Tyson in 1 or 2 rounds. He probably was just kidding when he said that because although it is possible that that fight (which never came about) would end in 2 rounds or less considering the tremendous punching power that both Foreman and Tyson possessed, a fight between them would probably go somewhat longer than just two rounds. Supposedly, neither Foreman nor Tyson wanted to fight the other!
@Jason Strom Thanks for that. George had those monster uppercuts that would have been a big problem for a short (5'10") guy like Tyson. I met Foreman by sheer luck a long time ago. He was a remarkably stout dude and had the biggest hands I've ever seen.
@@humanforfreedom9583 They never do. The only claim of this comes from 3rd hand info that someone supposedly heard one time...As if a trainer would ever tell his champion prospect fighter "you can't win". Foreman wouldn't have even been a possible fight for Mike before Cus died. Foreman was retired from 77-87, Cus died in 85. No reason why this conversation would've ever happened. I think it's BS if not link me to Mike Tyson validating this as true. Guy has admitted to far worse than a conversation about George Foreman...
Tyson was an incredibly talented boxer, but he was frequently sloppy in the ring. Tyson relied on his speed and immense punching power to make up for it. But a seasoned, thoughtful, strategic boxer with a punch like Foreman's would have taken him down.
No, Tyson abandoned what made him great after Cus died and he split with Rooney. He was simply not the same fighter once he was seduced by Don King. A real shame.
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx I agree with you. I was fortunate to watch Tyson come up. In 1988 if you asked me Tyson or Foreman I would have said Tyson all day long. But after watching George go the distance with Holyfield (not the puncher Mike was but a hell of a fight!) and beating talented younger fighters I think it may be a toss up. If George caught him like Frazier it could be over quickly. The 1974 George Id pick without a second thought. If you could combine 74 and 91 George I dont think anyone beats him. Better ring smarts and crazy power PLUS that chin!
@@brianseneca3546 Yes, it would be such an interesting matchup. Prime Tyson would be a tougher test than Holyfield, because his secret weapon was the ability to switch and attack from completely unexpected angles. Knockouts frequently come from the punch you never saw coming, and no boxer did that better than Mike Tyson in his D'Amato/Rooney days. How many of those unexpected shots could George take on the chin? Who knows? Whereas Tyson would be in the danger zone throughout the fight. His slipping was as good as any heavyweight ever and George's punches are slow, so Foreman would basically land almost by accident. What I would do is forget about where Tyson is and throw punches hoping to catch Tyson where he will be. Prime Tyson would bend over completely at the waist as punches sailed over his head. I would aim many shots at waist level and hope that Tyson ducks into one. With Foreman's power he probably would not have to connect more than once or twice. Styles makes fights, and prime Tyson vs prime Foreman would be fascinating!
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx foreman punch isn't low like everyone thought. In fact he has deceptive speed that makes him look slow and if he did he wouldn't be able to land his punches against Frazier who managed to ducked Every Ali's punch. And foreman has technique that makes inside fighters forced to fight backwards.
@@adamryamizard5560 I am a huge Foreman fan, but he was not blessed with blazing speed. If you rewatch the Frazier fight, note how Foreman was able to push Frazier off, using his strength to frame Frazier for his devastating power shots, and block Frazier's punches with his arms. Tyson would have been vulnerable to exactly the same things, but I think less so, as Tyson (at his peak) was far better defensively than Frazier. He was smaller, far quicker, more defensively oriented, and with far more deceptive footwork. Tyson would have stood a far better chance at getting not just inside, but *beside* Foreman and hitting him with shots he could not see coming. But as I said, who really knows?
Some fights that didn’t’ take place like Foreman vs Tyson or Tyson vs Lewis or Hollyfield in the 80s not later when Tyson past his prime and some other fights.. I feel upset about how close these fights would have happened but it didn’t just because of a silly detail from destiny.
Like most boxing fans back then, I had very much looked forward to big George challenging Tyson. Would have been a match for all times. Sad what happened to Iron Mike.
Letterman was disrespecting Cooney and it was like he was blind to the fight. Foreman was stunned several time and tagged great at least 5 times. Cooney was a heck of a puncher and I for one appreciate the fight he put up.
After he retired, Foreman admitted that he really wanted no part of Mike Tyson; and it was pretty well known that Tyson wanted no part of Foreman either. It would have been a fascinating fight, however long it lasted.
Shawn Hall ...Big George said the same thing about Smokin' Joe! LOL!!! Foreman was never intimidated by Tyson! The latter would have gotten knocked out. Foreman loves the camera, PERIOD!!! You're just another another Tysonite, that's all!
@@brucescott4261 I'm not a Tysonite. Not at all. I've seen them comment on many boxing videos, particularly ones that involve heavyweights. They're obnoxious. They think he'd knock out Jesus Christ.
@@shawnhall5322 Now that George is a senior citizen, he's afraid of everybody and never talks bad about any other boxer. As you can see, he wasn't the slightest bit afraid when he did this interview.
messi the messiah The only way Tyson beats Foreman is by Winning on points or late stoppage, and with complete mental focus, and through training harder for that fight then any other fight he had at this point of his career, But it wasn’t likely, especially w/o Rooney, or Cus, The men who molded him as an elite fighter. Tyson can’t make 1 mistake against Foreman, Foreman can win the fight at ANY moment, and Tyson was slipping as a fighter already when George was a top contender. Tyson proved he can take a punch against Lennox, But he couldn’t take too many against Foreman. Foreman made a good point in the video, “ Men in their sixties going to make teenagers hide behind bushes “ As he referenced his comeback. Tyson was an emotional mess, And very sensitive, fragile, and with so many uncontrolled emotions as only a young man of 20-23 years of age within his championship years, He knows he would’ve ate him for lunch, especially without Rooney as a trainer, and all the turmoil in his life. George ain’t dumb, he senses pray, not a genuine Heavyweight Champion who was pshycoligically prepared to face a man like himself
The first time i heard about George Foreman here in Portugal was from a Game Gear Game "KO - George Foreman" He is great, classy guy and respectfull unlike Tyson. Still respect to both.
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx Yes, Tyson is a great guy, and overcame a lot of mental and emotional problems. I have great respect for both Foreman and Tyson, and I hope they are good friends now.
It's too bad that Foreman vs. Tyson never happened. That would have been something to see. But when it was supposed to happen Tyson was in the middle of a 3 year prison sentence.
Actually, Cooney could hit and hit very hard. Cooney's problem was he couldn't take a punch, and he wasn't really all that skilled of a fighter. He was definitely one of the hardest hitters of all time though. He just lacked in other areas to be much of a success as a fighter.
Mike Tyson was also scared shitless of Foreman. He legit told don king “I’m not fighting that fucking animal. If you love the motherfucker so much, you fight him!'"straight to Don Kong’s face. Would of been a great match to watch
@brucescott4261 if it were any other boxer I'd agree but not at that point in time. And big George would have stayed on his feet far too long and taken too much punishment. He was a tank but mike was a killer
The only way Tyson beats Foreman is by Winning on points or late stoppage, and with complete mental focus, and through training harder for that fight then any other fight he had at this point of his career, But it wasn’t likely, especially w/o Rooney, or Cus, The men who molded him as an elite fighter. Tyson can’t make 1 mistake against Foreman, Foreman can win the fight at ANY moment, and Tyson was slipping as a fighter already when George was a top contender. Tyson proved he can take a punch against Lennox, But he couldn’t take too many against Foreman. Foreman made a good point in the video, “ Men in their sixties going to make teenagers hide behind bushes “ As he referenced his comeback. Tyson was an emotional mess, And very sensitive, fragile, and with so many uncontrolled emotions as only a young man of 20-23 years of age within his championship years, He knows he would’ve ate him for lunch, especially without Rooney as a trainer, and all the turmoil in his life. George ain’t dumb, he senses pray, not a genuine Heavyweight Champion who was pshycoligically prepared to face a man like himself
No way in hell would George Foreman beat Mike Tyson when Mike Tyson was at his best when he had Kevin Rooney as his coach.A 1988 Mike Tyson would of knock George Foreman out with in 4 rounds or less.
Tyson was Taylor made for Foreman... Tyson would have come straight at him and we all know what happened to everyone that came straight at George..... they ended up sleeping! George was only ever stopped once and that was because he fought stupid and was exhausted! Tyson ran from him like he did Lewis until he needed the money!
I can't stand Letterman. Tries to be funny and take the mickey out of his guest. These style of interviews are crap. Anyway, Letterman was proved wrong as George won the heavyweight title four years later at age 45. The oldest ever.
Foreman was a freak of nature! Even in his comeback era he had insane power and resilience. He's in a class of his own!
Definitely freak of nature with his freakish strength
The strongest, hardest hitting and oldest heavyweight champion.
@Weghweh Hwewehwhe Evander Holyfield said that George hit him harder than anyone and that he was probably the strongest boxer ever.
@@dropwizerorders501 evander said he had to ask his corner if he still had all his teeth
@@elrey1176 I saw that interview. Hysterical. Also in that interview he said that younger fighters stand in front of George thinking they're going to knock him out and THEY get knocked out. I think he just described Michael Moore!
@@dropwizerorders501 according to Shannon Briggs, he & Evander both agreed it was Francois Botha that hit the hardest
Wrong
It's funny how much meaner George looked in the 70's with an afro and a mustache. Now he looks like a big old sweet teddy bear.
Thomas Fleig I know LMAO, one of the greatest to ever step in the ring and sell grills
U would be hard pressed to find an interview with George in the 70's where he smiled and spoke like this. He was almost always surly and intimidating to even reporters.
A teddy bear who will beat you senseless. Lol.
hammer44head he did speak normally and was quite social . You got him mixed up with Sonny liston who he got that intimidating look from but either way he was big and scary . Sonny liston couldn't be like that if he tried because he wasn't social
Yeah he took big inspiration from his former training partner Sonny Liston who was the scariest fighter of his or probably any other era.
Letterman was really insulting talking about Cooney, people who never stepped in the ring usually are the big talkers. Foreman is a class act and funny as always.
Agreed....Big George had a lot of respect for Cooney and his punching power...I don't think he appreciated the remarks about his comrade in arms none too much. But in typical class form, Big George just waited, then resumed reality talk. Class Act All The Way...
Right
Letterman's always been a smug little bitch. Someone needed to beat the piss out of him a long time ago.
Sheiki Baz Letterman was just doing his job, being funny and taking the piss. Nothing wrong with that.
In Letterman's favor he admitted as much at the end "I could never get in there like that" ...its a comedy show it's not the 6 o'clock news ..if he played straight man he wouldn't have a show you know?
During this time, I was Big George sparring partner. To prepare him for the fight, George had me throwing only left hooks for several. Picking up my timing, to defend against the left hook. Cooney was a left hook artist. So that's what he was preparing for. Of course you know the results
.Well prepared!!!
Lucky man must have been an honor.
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
That's tremendous! ❤
1:22. “Cooney’s the hardest puncher I’ve ever been in the ring with.” Coming from Foreman, that’s eye opening!
yes!.. really makes you think about the psysics of striking.. only three out of 60 professional tough fighters?!? damn what do those guys do, that others dont..
@@Validboy Cooney used his big body and shoulders to pivot super quick with all his mass behind it. Really was a devastating left hook. A gut buster
@@Simp_Zone doesnt sound unique enough, that's just basic punching.. unless you mean to say that he could pivot his body unnaturally fast for his size, which make me think of Tyson's pivots. Also extraordinary, you may have got something here. tx.
@@Validboy I dunno it may have just been Cooney's unique style as well, he's a converted southpaw. Every fighter is different too but you gotta admit he really had a mean left hook, especially to the body.
@@Pauly421 a lot top strikers are southpaws or converted now that you mention it. Good point.
George Foreman's personality transformation was one of the most remarkable of human achievements. Besides that, he is one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
We couldn'y sat better sir. What a wonderful human being.
He has the cutest smile ever
He is a nice man, so adorable and humble
Word has it Tyson watched this interview and told Don King, No fucking way am I fighting George. You can see in George’s eyes that he wasn’t scared of Tyson and genuinely believed he would beat Tyson.
Great interview. George really turn himself around and did well. I was glad to see it after watching him in the 1st part of his career. Dave is a little hard on Cooney. Anyone who gets in the ring deserves some level of respect. Anyone who gets int he ring with George.....'nuff said. Tyson's style was made for Foreman. Wish that would have happened.
I heard Tyson ducked Foreman
Tyson knew it to that's why he ducked Foreman.
Rumor is, before Tyson turned pro, Tyson asked Cus how one would beat George Foreman. Foreman was retired at the time and Cus said, “There’s no way a fighter with your style and size could ever beat him. You need a tall guy who fights great on the outside.” Little did Cus know that George Foreman would come out of retirement a few years later calling out Mike Tyson. Cus wasn’t around to see it either. If the rumor is true, Cus’ words were ringing in Tyson’s head when George Foreman came out of retirement.
@@affordableaquariumservices1663
Cooney had a great punching power. He lacked in defence and in being able to take punches.
He had alcohol problem. In this fight, he came back from retirement and alcohol addiction.
Letterman should have given him the respect he deserves. When Big George was saying he was among the top 3 hardest hitters he ever faced, how could someone make fun of that guy ?
“I got more afraid of Don King and a dotted line than Mike Tyson.”
Haha. Facts.
He gave all his sons the same name so when he says George the four freezes all together !! lol
He has such a sweet smile, what a difference from when he was young
Letterman's attempts at making fun of Cooney are pathetic. Foreman is such a classy guy.
Yeah you can see how uncomfortable George is when Letterman came up with that. So unnecessary
Really, it's almost a modern day Cosell/Ali!, know doubt Big George didn't learn from Ali and, being a preacher, he said, I learned as an evangelist, if you don't make a bunch of noise, nobody's listening. (Ali). Great replay, thank you!!!!
81 fights, 5 losses with only 1 loss by KO.....it's to none other than Muhammad Ali.
1:21. He called Cooney the hardest puncher he ever fought! Wow!
George is a class act all the way.
i cant believe somebody taped this back in the day!!!!!
And Tyson wanted NOTHING to do with big George. Cus D’Mato absolutely knew he’d get ko’d. No swarmer would ever beat Foreman.
For me Foreman was the best boxer ever,he is very strong and a very hard puncher,and he could take many hard hits him self and he just shaked it of and won,Forman had a very very big ❤️ as a fighters,and that makes him for med the best boxer ever,love u George Foreman🙏🙏🙏
A real champ!
Big George! The show was Jan 1990.
I never fought ernie shavers thank godness :)
I think Foreman would've beat Tyson.
Yes
Yeah
100%
@@TotallyNoCat Would've definitely been interesting. George had gotten pretty slow at this point, but still had great power. And he could take a punch as well as anyone, which IMO is why he'd have had a chance against the much shorter Tyson, who would have been vulnerable to George's big uppercuts.
@@dropwizerorders501
Yeah, I honestly believe he would have taken every punch Tyson threw at him. I think Tyson would be tired from punching George's face in and George not going down. Think Foreman would K.O. him in the 10th.
I never realised he was so charismatic. Honestly the only time I had actually watched on of his fights, up until a few days ago, is when he fought Ali. I honestly have to say is a top ten boxer. I wish he managed to get a fight with Tyson in the late eighties. My money would definitely be on George Foreman.
David Keir Ali ran from Foreman, Foreman admitted he was too cocky and they were in another country hot as shit, Ali's stamina prevailed, but had another fight happened, Winner by ko George Foreman.
Wilt
Sorry I have watched that fight many times. Ali was in full control of that fight only losing two rounds. Most of George's punches either hit Ali's arms, or were dodged by Ali. Ali on the other hand managed lots of clean accurate combinations. I would watch The Rumble In The Jungle again if I was you.
David Keir What are you talking about? George was hitting his hardest body shots ever in that match, he outpunched Ali. Ali was a punching bag, you noticed their was never a rematch? Foreman would have killed Ali if they faced again, he was killing him in that match. So i don't know what match you are watching. Joe Frazier who beat the shit outta Ali, was dominated by Foreman. The guy who took ali's championship was dominated by Foreman. Foreman is the greatest Heavyweight champion of all-time. No one can defeat him, it took Ali's greatest effort to take out Foreman, a rematch in the U.S Foreman wins 8th round K.O.
Wilt
The judges score cards were 70-67 69-66 68-66 all in Ali's favour. Source ringtv.craveonline.com/news/362089-rumble-in-the-jungle-retrospective-ali-foreman-40-years-later
I'm sorry you're wrong. Ali was in full control of that fight. A lot of people only think Foreman won one round.
David Keir Most people had it tied, but Ali ran from Foreman, there was no rematch, and this is why Foreman is the greatest of all-time, Ali admitted in interviews how scared he is of Foreman. George caught a belt at 45, the only thing Ali got in his 40's was Parkinsons probably after taking blows from Big George.
he looks like a dear dear man ^^ respect foreman
I'd love to watch a Mic'd up Letterman take one Cooney left to the gut. It'd be 10 minutes of moaning, crying and messing his drawers.
@Koletti Pireaus That it would be funny to see Letterman take a punch in the gut from Foreman.
He will be dead for 10.minutes and then cryinh for broken bones
Foreman would have beaten Tyson if they fought, the hardest hitter of all time, toughest chin and he beleived in himself. Tyson was a monster but he was scared of big george.
Big George could also take punishment and Tyson couldn't.
Peak Tyson would destroy George. But Tyson’s peak was long before the Douglas fight.
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx hell no! George would destroy Prime or Peak Tyson easily. Even CUS told tyson that he cant beat George. No swarmers could fight with george. For example , look up Frazier vs George. That's what would happen. Frazier had a better chin that tyson and even he couldnt take those bombs george was dishing out. Tyson avoided George twice , even before Buster Douglas fight
such a great guy he is
Most boxers today should learn from an old skool beautifully humble gie like George. These fighters now would never do wat hes done an dont av the respect he has. Its truly amazing! Theres one. Andy ruiz,!
Im petty sure that he would've kicked Tyson's ass. No wonder Mike was scared shitless of him.
As tough as Tyson was at the time. I knew that he ( Tyson ) even though George was the age he was, that Tyson had enough boxing knowledge to truly know that if he stepped in the ring with Foreman, that he'd be facing a guy that wasn't intimidated/ afraid of him & possessed some of most fantastic punching power that Mike Tyson had ever faced. I'm sure Tyson saw this knockout of Cooney & said yeah, wow there's some power. Tyson respected George as a fighter & as a person. It would've been cool if it would've happened.
Why is foreman so cute? He's like a big ol teddy bear.
Tyson lost to Douglas weeks later, thus the fight never happened
I went to George's book signing and mentioned Tyson! He gave me a nasty intent look.
Dennis Baker the scary monster is still in there somewhere!
Mike tyson avoided Foreman because Cus'd amato told him no swarmer can beat Foreman including Tyson
I think Tyson lost that fight with Douglas to avoid foreman..
Tyson had plenty of opportunities to fight Foreman ? Tyson turned down two offers in 1988 to fight Foreman . First offer came from promoter Dennis Rappaport for 500 thousand to be paid to Tyson tax free every year for the rest of his life if he would fight Foreman , Tyson could still be collecting on that deal today . Second offer came from promoter Bill Wheeler for 12 million for a fight in Seattle Washington that Tyson turned down also . In 1989 Tyson before the Douglas fight was offered 20 million to fight Foreman . But instead went to Tokyo Japan for only 6 million to face Buster Douglas . In 1990 both Foreman and Tyson fought on the same card together June 16th Tyson vs Tillman Foreman vs Rodrigues . They were supposed to fight each other after on the same weekend as Holyfield vs Douglas but Tyson also turned it down . Giving Foreman the first title shot against Holyfield ahead of Tyson . In 1992 Tyson went to jail for rape but when he got out in 1995 Foreman was the champ and had just won the title by knocking out Michael Moorer , Foreman was again calling Tyson out . Foreman's promoter Bob Arum first offered Tyson a 50 million dollar split out of 100 million but Tyson wouldn't take the bait . So Bob Arum made another offer to Tyson after the McNeely fight that the winner would get 80 million out of 100 million Tyson turned down as well . Bottom line is Tyson was scared to death to fight Foreman and didn't care what the promoters offered !
Big George is such a class act. Good of him to not let Letterman trash-talk Cooney and still be humble. God in My Corner was such a great read. I emailed him after I read it and he actually replied, thanking me. What a top bloke.
George is such a dude. What a superstar
Handsome George!!❤❤❤❤Love from Russia❤❤🌹🌹🌹
Tyson didn't want no part of George.
hammer44head no he truly didnt.
Let's get serious. Tyson wouldn't have had no problem getting in the ring with George. Let's respect both champions.
@@AhPhoey regardless of who would of won, Tyson didn't want the Foreman fight.
@Koletti Pireaus Uh huh.
@@danddee1299 You are 100% correct. I distinctly remember those days and Tyson did not want Big George.
4:47 that transition
“I didn’t operate in New York at that time” LOL
It's interesting that when George Foreman appeared on the David Letterman late night TV talk show after he defeated Gerry Cooney, he predicted that he would knock out Tyson in 1 or 2 rounds. He probably was just kidding when he said that because although it is possible that that fight (which never came about) would end in 2 rounds or less considering the tremendous punching power that both Foreman and Tyson possessed, a fight between them would probably go somewhat longer than just two rounds. Supposedly, neither Foreman nor Tyson wanted to fight the other!
TRUE COMMENT
george is soo real he can't hurt a fly but damn what a boxer
Fidan Rexhepi That is 100% correct,and the best boxer ever👍👍👍
cus himself told Tyson he can't beat George ...
Please enclose evidence of that happening
Cus knew what's up
@Jason Strom Thanks for that. George had those monster uppercuts that would have been a big problem for a short (5'10") guy like Tyson. I met Foreman by sheer luck a long time ago. He was a remarkably stout dude and had the biggest hands I've ever seen.
@@humanforfreedom9583
They never do. The only claim of this comes from 3rd hand info that someone supposedly heard one time...As if a trainer would ever tell his champion prospect fighter "you can't win". Foreman wouldn't have even been a possible fight for Mike before Cus died.
Foreman was retired from 77-87, Cus died in 85. No reason why this conversation would've ever happened. I think it's BS if not link me to Mike Tyson validating this as true. Guy has admitted to far worse than a conversation about George Foreman...
Tyson was an incredibly talented boxer, but he was frequently sloppy in the ring. Tyson relied on his speed and immense punching power to make up for it. But a seasoned, thoughtful, strategic boxer with a punch like Foreman's would have taken him down.
No, Tyson abandoned what made him great after Cus died and he split with Rooney. He was simply not the same fighter once he was seduced by Don King. A real shame.
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx I agree with you. I was fortunate to watch Tyson come up. In 1988 if you asked me Tyson or Foreman I would have said Tyson all day long. But after watching George go the distance with Holyfield (not the puncher Mike was but a hell of a fight!) and beating talented younger fighters I think it may be a toss up. If George caught him like Frazier it could be over quickly. The 1974 George Id pick without a second thought. If you could combine 74 and 91 George I dont think anyone beats him. Better ring smarts and crazy power PLUS that chin!
@@brianseneca3546 Yes, it would be such an interesting matchup.
Prime Tyson would be a tougher test than Holyfield, because his secret weapon was the ability to switch and attack from completely unexpected angles. Knockouts frequently come from the punch you never saw coming, and no boxer did that better than Mike Tyson in his D'Amato/Rooney days. How many of those unexpected shots could George take on the chin? Who knows?
Whereas Tyson would be in the danger zone throughout the fight. His slipping was as good as any heavyweight ever and George's punches are slow, so Foreman would basically land almost by accident. What I would do is forget about where Tyson is and throw punches hoping to catch Tyson where he will be. Prime Tyson would bend over completely at the waist as punches sailed over his head. I would aim many shots at waist level and hope that Tyson ducks into one. With Foreman's power he probably would not have to connect more than once or twice.
Styles makes fights, and prime Tyson vs prime Foreman would be fascinating!
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx foreman punch isn't low like everyone thought. In fact he has deceptive speed that makes him look slow and if he did he wouldn't be able to land his punches against Frazier who managed to ducked Every Ali's punch. And foreman has technique that makes inside fighters forced to fight backwards.
@@adamryamizard5560 I am a huge Foreman fan, but he was not blessed with blazing speed. If you rewatch the Frazier fight, note how Foreman was able to push Frazier off, using his strength to frame Frazier for his devastating power shots, and block Frazier's punches with his arms. Tyson would have been vulnerable to exactly the same things, but I think less so, as Tyson (at his peak) was far better defensively than Frazier. He was smaller, far quicker, more defensively oriented, and with far more deceptive footwork. Tyson would have stood a far better chance at getting not just inside, but *beside* Foreman and hitting him with shots he could not see coming. But as I said, who really knows?
Letterman clearly knows fuck all about Boxing. George is Great
Yes, David. Four very, very gruelling minutes that no mortal man could sustain.
Well said. Like Gordon Lightfoot sings "when the waves turn the minutes to hours", time is truly subjective !!
I love George Forman!
I love Big George!
Some fights that didn’t’ take place like Foreman vs Tyson or Tyson vs Lewis or Hollyfield in the 80s not later when Tyson past his prime and some other fights.. I feel upset about how close these fights would have happened but it didn’t just because of a silly detail from destiny.
Keep it hydrated, George...
My chosen Champ !
He is smart u can see that
Like most boxing fans back then, I had very much looked forward to big George challenging Tyson. Would have been a match for all times. Sad what happened to Iron Mike.
interview from Jan 1990, the night after the Cooney fight.
3½ years later, Foreman fought another terrific puncher, Tommy Morrison, in June 1993.
Letterman was disrespecting Cooney and it was like he was blind to the fight. Foreman was stunned several time and tagged great at least 5 times. Cooney was a heck of a puncher and I for one appreciate the fight he put up.
Big George wanted Mike Tyson
3:57
Big George Foreman
“I didn’t operate in New York!”
After he retired, Foreman admitted that he really wanted no part of Mike Tyson; and it was pretty well known that Tyson wanted no part of Foreman either. It would have been a fascinating fight, however long it lasted.
That's just foreman being humble and respect Tyson's ability but, at that time foreman was so focused to get the championship and prepared for him.
Shawn Hall ...Big George said the same thing about Smokin' Joe! LOL!!! Foreman was never intimidated by Tyson! The latter would have gotten knocked out. Foreman loves the camera, PERIOD!!! You're just another another Tysonite, that's all!
@@brucescott4261 I'm not a Tysonite. Not at all. I've seen them comment on many boxing videos, particularly ones that involve heavyweights. They're obnoxious. They think he'd knock out Jesus Christ.
@@shawnhall5322 Now that George is a senior citizen, he's afraid of everybody and never talks bad about any other boxer.
As you can see, he wasn't the slightest bit afraid when he did this interview.
He also said he was deadly afraid of Joe Fraizer, the same dude he ragdolled in the ring.
Tyson would have lost to BIG GEORGE
No tyson would win on points..
messi the messiah The only way Tyson beats Foreman is by Winning on points or late stoppage, and with complete mental focus, and through training harder for that fight then any other fight he had at this point of his career, But it wasn’t likely, especially w/o Rooney, or Cus, The men who molded him as an elite fighter. Tyson can’t make 1 mistake against Foreman, Foreman can win the fight at ANY moment, and Tyson was slipping as a fighter already when George was a top contender. Tyson proved he can take a punch against Lennox, But he couldn’t take too many against Foreman. Foreman made a good point in the video, “ Men in their sixties going to make teenagers hide behind bushes “ As he referenced his comeback. Tyson was an emotional mess, And very sensitive, fragile, and with so many uncontrolled emotions as only a young man of 20-23 years of age within his championship years, He knows he would’ve ate him for lunch, especially without Rooney as a trainer, and all the turmoil in his life. George ain’t dumb, he senses pray, not a genuine Heavyweight Champion who was pshycoligically prepared to face a man like himself
@@messithemessiah4898 he can't win on points
he's was still chasing the title after what happened in zaire
yup and he caught it aged 45!
+eatthisvr6 he came back for tyson
Probably not but he deffinateley wanted him when he realized he had his number and was confident he could take him out
@@afsarahmed7831 That's why Tyson was scared of him.
The first time i heard about George Foreman here in Portugal was from a Game Gear Game "KO - George Foreman"
He is great, classy guy and respectfull unlike Tyson. Still respect to both.
Cenoura podes crer
Tyson is a very respectful person now, he has changed a great deal.
@@JohnSmith-oe5kx Yes, Tyson is a great guy, and overcame a lot of mental and emotional problems. I have great respect for both Foreman and Tyson, and I hope they are good friends now.
He wrecked Cooney. Brutal KO.
George said he's glad he never fought earnie shavers. I wonder if he means for his sake or earnie's?
Both. Since Earnie was a really good head hunter.
It's too bad that Foreman vs. Tyson never happened. That would have been something to see. But when it was supposed to happen Tyson was in the middle of a 3 year prison sentence.
@DFDuck55 ...Tyson was already out of prison.
Actually, Cooney could hit and hit very hard. Cooney's problem was he couldn't take a punch, and he wasn't really all that skilled of a fighter. He was definitely one of the hardest hitters of all time though. He just lacked in other areas to be much of a success as a fighter.
Agreed. I'm so fascinated by the power of that left to the body tho, can almost feel my ribs breaking lol
He had decent skill
The size of his fucking hands. Damn.
Cooney put up a Great fight this dude is crazy that fight was fuckin dope Foreman is Great
I thought he was joking when he said all his sons were named George foreman but then I googled it LMAO
cooney did nail george but george can really take it and better still dish it out
Being in the ring with George must have been like throwing down with a grizzly bear!!
Funny how foreman called mike out..and now admitted he was glad Tyson didn't fight him lol
When you’re a boxer you need that ego 👊
Mike Tyson was also scared shitless of Foreman. He legit told don king “I’m not fighting that fucking animal. If you love the motherfucker so much, you fight him!'"straight to Don Kong’s face. Would of been a great match to watch
@@BluePlaque you dumbfuck theres no proof of tyson saying this ..
@@boxcuber then, prove it
Letterman is such a weasel. 4 grueling minutes, letterman couldn't hit a heavy bag for 40 seconds before he collapsed.
Normally I like Letterman, but here he is very disrespectful of both Foreman and Cooney 👎🏻
Cooney could have had the belt if he'd focused and was managed better. Still he's one of my favourite punchers to watch, that left is wicked fast.
More afraid of dot line lol
Foreman doesn't have blurrish speech.
More scared of Don King and his dotted line.. amen brother
Big George was a phenomenon....but he's a lucky man he never signed with Tyson at that point
@danedgar1539 ...Tyson was the lucky one!
@brucescott4261 if it were any other boxer I'd agree but not at that point in time.
And big George would have stayed on his feet far too long and taken too much punishment.
He was a tank but mike was a killer
Dave's a Great tv host, right up there with Carson; Dave doesn't know anything about Boxing!
Lettermans utter disrespect for Cooney is disgusting.
I don’t think George liked Dave’s jokes about Gerry Cooney.
Yeah that nerd making fun of Cooney. I don’t think George liked him making fun of a fellow boxer that he clearly has respect for.
The only way Tyson beats Foreman is by Winning on points or late stoppage, and with complete mental focus, and through training harder for that fight then any other fight he had at this point of his career, But it wasn’t likely, especially w/o Rooney, or Cus, The men who molded him as an elite fighter. Tyson can’t make 1 mistake against Foreman, Foreman can win the fight at ANY moment, and Tyson was slipping as a fighter already when George was a top contender. Tyson proved he can take a punch against Lennox, But he couldn’t take too many against Foreman. Foreman made a good point in the video, “ Men in their sixties going to make teenagers hide behind bushes “ As he referenced his comeback. Tyson was an emotional mess, And very sensitive, fragile, and with so many uncontrolled emotions as only a young man of 20-23 years of age within his championship years, He knows he would’ve ate him for lunch, especially without Rooney as a trainer, and all the turmoil in his life. George ain’t dumb, he senses pray, not a genuine Heavyweight Champion who was pshycoligically prepared to face a man like himself
Tyson couldn’t have fought Foreman 'cause of his loss to Buster Douglas.
George annihilated Jerry Cooney
what?
cooney was a very dangerous fighter in a great era.... letterman shows no class here.
A little like you, No.
Nobody woulda touched tyson,in his prime,with d'amato handling him.
David being disrespectful to a real fighter
He would have beaten Tyson.
No way in hell would George Foreman beat Mike Tyson when Mike Tyson was at his best when he had Kevin Rooney as his coach.A 1988 Mike Tyson would of knock George Foreman out with in 4 rounds or less.
Markjuan1173 Flores prime George beats prime mike
Liverpool Fan69 Tyson would have an easier time with the 70s Foreman than with 90s Foreman
Tyson has repeatedly said over the years he wanted nothing to do with George. Part of it was respect butbi truly believe part of it was fear.
Tyson was Taylor made for Foreman... Tyson would have come straight at him and we all know what happened to everyone that came straight at George..... they ended up sleeping! George was only ever stopped once and that was because he fought stupid and was exhausted! Tyson ran from him like he did Lewis until he needed the money!
Markjuan1173 Flores mmmm I’m not so sure.
Foreman be my man.
letterman is a loud mouth .....
Impossible not to like George. Letterman showed little respect to Cooney. Not deserved at all.
I can't stand Letterman. Tries to be funny and take the mickey out of his guest.
These style of interviews are crap.
Anyway, Letterman was proved wrong as George won the heavyweight title four years later at age 45. The oldest ever.
Tyson lost to Douglas weeks later, thus the fight never happened