After winning the heavyweight championship from Buster Douglas on October 25, 1990, Evander Holyfield accepted the challenge of George Foreman, who had been boxing on the comeback trail for four years, and had reeled off 24 victories, 23 of them by knockout. The public was skeptical of George’s chances, but the card billed ‘The Battle of the Ages’ was set for April 19,1991 at Atlantic City’s Convention Hall.
I had the great privilege to see ‘Big’ George train in person about 7 or 8 times at Trump Plaza in Atlantic city, where his camp was set. He was entertaining each day, hit the bags and sparred, and fielded questions from fans. One day I asked him who hit him the hardest, and he answered me “Ronny Lyles in 1976.” I found it amusing that he pronounced his name wrong, but was thrilled I had a chance to see him up close. Since he came out of retirement in March of 1987, I had followed his every move, and had seen most of his 24 bouts. I loved his story, and he had become my favorite fighter, by far!
I saw Evander train one day, but he was stoic and quiet and didn’t talk to the fans at all. George sold the fight, because Holyfield had the personality of a brick quite frankly. He was a solid champion, but not engaging, and it takes two to get fans excited. By that Friday the 19th, I was juiced as I made my way to the Pavilion in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to catch the closed circuit broadcast.
I quite frankly thought it would take a miracle in the way of a huge punch for George to win. Holyfield was a tremendous talent, and a great boxer-puncher. His skills showed early and often as he peppered the much bigger Foreman with jabs and moved. George did catch Evander with glancing punches that rocked the smaller Holyfield, and it was evident after just a few rounds, that ‘Big’ George was no joke, and would not be embarassed.
The seventh round was especially entertaining, with George stunning Evander early in the round. The champion rebounded however, and closed the round strong, evidence of his tremendous conditioning. He almost dropped Foreman in the ninth with an avalanche of blows, but the ex-champion stayed on his feet, and wouldn’t go down.
After twelve entertaining, and at times exciting twelve rounds, it was obvious to me that Evander had retained his title. George was gracious in defeat, and had in his mind proved “The age 40 is not a death sentence.” I was proud of his effort, and hoped he would return to fight another day.
Holyfield had to deal with the pundits who said “He beat up and old man.” The champion had defeated a worthy challenger, and it was a great night in history for the sport of boxing, no doubt.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ON SPOTIFY AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
