After his devasting loss to Muhammad Ali on October 30, 1974 in Zaire, South Africa, George Foreman went into a self admitted period of deep depression. That defeat crushed his spirit, since his whole identity had been as the ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World’.
In April of 1975, George traveled to Toronto, Canada to fight five exhibition bouts, each lasting three rounds. The goal was to restore his confidence and ego, and show the world his power.
Despite easily defeating all five opponents, the world viewed it as a circus act. The fact that Muhammad Ali was Howard Cosell’s color man that day, didn’t help matters. Ali cheered all of Foreman’s opponents on, and did his best to embarrass George. I remember feeling sorry for the ex-champ, and wished Ali would just shut up.
Foreman had not accomplished his goal that day, and knew he would have to find a legitimate fighter to beat to get the respect he so desired. He found in tough, top contender Ron Lyle, and signed to fight him on January 24, 1976 in Las Vegas.
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