Match between Muhammed Ali and George Foreman

I have watched the entire boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974 five or six times. A comprehensive book could be written about this match.

The match took place on October 30, 1974. However, before delving into it, I need to provide an overview of the situations of both boxers leading up to the event.

In 1974, George Foreman was an undefeated world champion, standing at 2 meters tall and weighing 100 kilograms. He was a formidable force in the boxing ring, instilling terror with his powerful punches. Foreman, nicknamed "Big George" earned his bread through the impact of his fists, becoming the nightmare of many, especially professional boxers.

He showed no mercy. Anyone daring to stand in his way couldn't last more than a few rounds against him.

In 1971, when Muhammad Ali faced Joe Frazier, he was an undefeated boxer. However, he lost both the match and his championship belt. The decline that began in 1971 hit rock bottom in 1973. In a 12-round bout against Ken Norton, Ali 's jaw was broken due to the punches he received, leading to his defeat. As you can understand, Muhammad Ali was not in good shape when he faced George Foreman.

As you can see, in 1974, Muhammad Ali was set to face such a formidable opponent. Therefore, this match created a significant buzz worldwide. Of course, there were plenty of people who believed that Muhammad Ali would lose the match.

Foreman knew Ali well. Ali would dance around his opponents, tire them out, and emerge victorious that had been his fighting style for the past 10 years. This was a significant advantage for Foreman, who analyzed his opponent well. Foreman 's tactic was clear he would wait and deliver his devastating punch.

SURPRISE

Before the big fight, during the press conference, Muhammad Ali claimed that he had changed his style and would engage in a fistfight with Foreman from the first round. Everyone thought it was a joke because, in essence, this seemed like Muhammad Ali committing suicide.

Before the match began, in the 6th minute of the video, Ali 's coach is seen loosening the ropes around the boxing ring. This meant that Ali was going to fight fiercely, confirming what he had said at the press conference the day before. However, nobody believed that Ali would actually go through with it.

Meanwhile, at the 13th minute of the video, Muhammad Ali is seen leading chants with the crowd. This appears to be a part of Muhammad Ali's strategy. At the 21st minute, Ali can be observed in his corner with his hands open in prayer.

THE MATCH BEGINS

At the start of the first round, Ali did exactly what he said. Instead of dancing around, he approached Foreman and engaged in a fistfight. He completely disrupted his opponent's strategy.

Ali started the first round this way, but he didn't continue in the same manner. When the first round ended and he retreated to his corner, he didn't sit on his stool. He kept looking at Foreman 's corner. Now, he was going to implement his real strategy. In the second round, he leaned against the ropes. In the 3rd, 4th, and 5th rounds, he allowed Foreman to hit him while leaning on the ropes. However, Muhammad Ali wasn't idle during this time.

In the video, it's evident that Muhammad Ali kept whispering something into Foreman's ear continuously. It's clear that he was trying to break Foreman's morale, using negative statements.

It is very clear in the 5th round that Muhammad Ali turned the match in his favor. In the last 20 seconds of the 8th round, Muhammad Ali made such a move that Foreman staggered under the punches he received.






In the last 12 seconds, as Foreman fell to the ground, Muhammad Ali circled around him. With Foreman 's face right at Ali's waist level and within striking distance, Muhammad Ali demonstrated his greatness. Instead of delivering another punch to the fallen Foreman (as seen in the image), it led to a KNOCKOUT.

Watching this match teaches you a lot. Strategy, Power, Subconscious work, Honesty, Respect, Love, and Sportsmanship are all evident in the bout.

BONUS

These three legends have all fought each other in the ring, yet they can all sit together and be true gentlemen to each other. That is true sportsmanship.