When Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in October of 1974, I was more interested in baseball, more specifically the Baltimore Orioles. Ali was such a famous figure though, that I was very aware of the fight. I read Sport magazine and Sports Illustrated, which both covered the fight extensively, and I couldn’t help but get excited.
Most gave Ali no chance against the brutish Foreman, who had destroyed both Joe Frazier and Ken Norton. Ali had lost to both boxers, making most how he could ever beat George. The original September date was pushed back until October 30th, a result of Foreman suffering a cut over his eye during sparring. Both were forced to stay in Zaire, Africa by the promoters, and continued training.
The fight itself was shocking, with Ali using his ‘Rope a Dope’ tactics, laying on the ropes to let Foreman punch himself out. Ali also landed lots of sharp combinations and fought brilliantly, proving he was far from finished as a fighter. By the eighth round, the former champ countered off of the ropes and dropped George with a right hand. The count reached 10 and Ali was once again Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Ali had bragged he would beat Foreman and did just as he said. He was on top of the boxing world once again and at 32 years old, had all the bragging rights to go with it.
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