George Foreman broke record to become oldest ever heavyweight champion flattening rival with thudding KO
George Foreman had frightening power and Michael Moorer became his latest victim in their famous world title clash. Foreman is considered one of the most ferocious punchers and best fighters of all-time to have ever graced the heavyweight division. GettyForeman challenged and won a world title at the age of 45[/caption] His longevity at world level was something quite remarkable given he fought from 1969 until 1997, a career of nearly 30 years in the professional ranks. ‘Big George’s punching power meant he was able to put to sleep a who’s who of elite operators. But when he went toe-to-toe with Moorer in 1994, the watching world were simply stunned as he entered the record books. Foreman made an attempt to become the oldest heavyweight champion of all time at 45-years-old. Foreman had challenged for the WBO belt in his previous fight against Tommy Morrison, but had been outpointed. And it seemed against all odds that he could defy his ageing body and reign supreme as a heavyweight king again. But that was exactly what he did against the undefeated Moorer, who had put together a winning streak of 35 fights. The two men traded some big shots for nine rounds and Moorer was up on the judges scorecards coming into the latter stages of the fight. It looked once again as if Foreman was going to fall short and be denied his heavyweight dream. But, Foreman refused to give up, as he came out swinging in round ten. AFPForeman became the oldest ever heavyweight champion[/caption] And it worked, as he caught Moorer with a thunderous straight right hand that left him lying flat on his back on the canvas. Moorer attempted to get back to his feet, but all he could do was lift his head and roll over as the referee waved off the bout. It was a phenomenal moment which saw him break the record, one which stands to this day. He had ousted Jersey Joe Walcott, and there has never been a story of such a sustained period of success quite like it at heavyweight. Foreman held onto his heavyweight world title for another year extending his record as oldest heavyweight world champion to 46 years and 169 days old, which is a record that remains to this day. Foreman went on to have three more fights, winning two and then losing to Shannon Briggs before he retired for the second time in 1997. Foreman had a truly iconic career in the sportGETTY This came after he had already previously retired in 1977 having become becoming world champion for the first time in 1973 with an incredible win over Joe Frazier. But, a year later, Foreman took on Muhammad Ali in ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ and was beaten in one of the most famous fights in boxing history. From here, Foreman never quite got back to the scintillating form that saw him become world champion for the first time and so he hung up his gloves. But, ‘Big George’ redeemed himself in the second stint of his career and finished for good with a record of 76-5, with 68 KO’s. The iconic legend recently passed away, leaving behind him a legacy as one of the most popular and successful boxers ever. His precision, power and likeable character made him one of the sport’s best in such a prestigious era. The likes of Mike Tyson, Frank Warren and more made tributes to the icon who certainly left his stamp on the sweet science. Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show. Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE
George Foreman had frightening power and Michael Moorer became his latest victim in their famous world title clash.
Foreman is considered one of the most ferocious punchers and best fighters of all-time to have ever graced the heavyweight division.
His longevity at world level was something quite remarkable given he fought from 1969 until 1997, a career of nearly 30 years in the professional ranks.
‘Big George’s punching power meant he was able to put to sleep a who’s who of elite operators.
But when he went toe-to-toe with Moorer in 1994, the watching world were simply stunned as he entered the record books.
Foreman made an attempt to become the oldest heavyweight champion of all time at 45-years-old.
Foreman had challenged for the WBO belt in his previous fight against Tommy Morrison, but had been outpointed.
And it seemed against all odds that he could defy his ageing body and reign supreme as a heavyweight king again.
But that was exactly what he did against the undefeated Moorer, who had put together a winning streak of 35 fights.
The two men traded some big shots for nine rounds and Moorer was up on the judges scorecards coming into the latter stages of the fight.
It looked once again as if Foreman was going to fall short and be denied his heavyweight dream.
But, Foreman refused to give up, as he came out swinging in round ten.
And it worked, as he caught Moorer with a thunderous straight right hand that left him lying flat on his back on the canvas.
Moorer attempted to get back to his feet, but all he could do was lift his head and roll over as the referee waved off the bout.
It was a phenomenal moment which saw him break the record, one which stands to this day.
He had ousted Jersey Joe Walcott, and there has never been a story of such a sustained period of success quite like it at heavyweight.
Foreman held onto his heavyweight world title for another year extending his record as oldest heavyweight world champion to 46 years and 169 days old, which is a record that remains to this day.
Foreman went on to have three more fights, winning two and then losing to Shannon Briggs before he retired for the second time in 1997.
This came after he had already previously retired in 1977 having become becoming world champion for the first time in 1973 with an incredible win over Joe Frazier.
But, a year later, Foreman took on Muhammad Ali in ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ and was beaten in one of the most famous fights in boxing history.
From here, Foreman never quite got back to the scintillating form that saw him become world champion for the first time and so he hung up his gloves.
But, ‘Big George’ redeemed himself in the second stint of his career and finished for good with a record of 76-5, with 68 KO’s.
The iconic legend recently passed away, leaving behind him a legacy as one of the most popular and successful boxers ever.
His precision, power and likeable character made him one of the sport’s best in such a prestigious era.
The likes of Mike Tyson, Frank Warren and more made tributes to the icon who certainly left his stamp on the sweet science.
