This is my next in my blog series ‘Mythical Matchups’. This bout is between two Heavyweight Champions, George Foreman and Sonny Liston. My imaginary bouts all take place in Las Vegas at the Caesar’s Palace Outdoor Arena, with the great Mills Lane as the referee.
‘Big’ George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949 in Marshall, Texas. He won a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City after a late start in his boxing career. He amassed a professional record of 37-0, with 34 knockouts before he challenged the champion Joe Frazier on January 22, 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica. George knocked Frazier down six times in his destruction of Frazier, and won the title at age 24. He defended his crown 3 times before losing his crown to Muhammad Ali on October 30, 1974 in Ziare.
After losing to Jimmy Young on March 17, 1977 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, George said he had found God, and “Jesus Christ had come alive in me!” He retired from boxing for 10 years, before embarking on a remarkable comeback in 1987 at age 38. After a failed attempt at the championship against Evander Holyfield in April of 1991, George persevered. Incredibly, on November 5, 1994 he became the oldest heavyweight champion ever at age 45, when he knocked out Michael Moorer in the tenth round. He would fight until November 22, 1997, before retiring with a record of 76-5, and 68 knockouts.
George had remarkable power in either hand, in both his first career, and his second after being gone for 10 years. He also had one of the best left jabs in history, along with his ability to knock guys out a single blow. He is one of the heaviest punchers in boxing history, which makes his imaginary fight with Sonny Liston so interesting.
Sonny Liston has no official birthday, but is believed to be born in the early 1920’s. After a troubled life and prison time, Charles ‘Sonny’ Liston found boxing, and turn professional on September 2, 1953. His reputation as a puncher proceeding him as he stopped most every fighter he faced. Heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson fought him reluctantly on September 25, 1962 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, and was easily knocked out in one round. Sonny knocked Patterson out again in one round in their rematch on July 22, 1963.,
Unfortunately for Sonny, he ran into the young, talented Cassius Clay, and lost his title on February 25, 1964 in Miami Beach. He also lost their controversial rematch in May of 1965, which pretty much ended his career as a viable contender.
At his best, Sonny had a plank of a left jab, and incredible natural body strength. He starched opponents with any punch with either hand, and is one of the hardest hitters in heavyweight history.
This sets up a bout between the two bangers. To me, it would have been a brutal and exciting fight to watch. I envision both men landed hard shots constantly, causing bruising and swelling on each other for the entire bout. In my opinion, I think George had a strength and size advantage, and I see him wearing the shorter Liston down as the fight reached the 12th and final round. Foreman by split decision.
It certainly would have been a brawl for the ages had it actually taken place. Both were powerful men, big punchers and exciting to watch. This is my blog and my opinion, and I see George Foreman the victor.
Sonny Liston died under mysterious circumstances in late December of 1970 in Las Vegas. Sadly, George Foreman died on March 21, 2025 due to an undisclosed illness, leaving a hole in the heart of the modern boxing world. In the together, they would have entertained the fans, that is for certain.
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