PSA 9/10

Is there a Boxing Card Group here on Mantel?
If not, does anyone else think Mantel would benefit from starting a Boxing Card & Memorabilia Collectors Group?
I can help start/moderate such a group if there is any interest.🤝

The fight that never was.

Here are the career boxing highlights of George Foreman, one of the most iconic heavyweight champions in boxing history

🥊

Early Career & Rise to Stardom (1969–1973)

• 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist (Mexico City): Foreman won the gold in heavyweight boxing at age 19.

• Pro Debut: Turned professional in 1969 and quickly became known for his devastating punching power.

• 26–0 Record by the end of 1970, with most wins by knockout.

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Becoming Heavyweight Champion (1973)

• January 22, 1973 – Foreman vs. Joe Frazier:
  

  • Location: Kingston, Jamaica

  • Outcome: Foreman won by TKO in the 2nd round.

  • Highlight: Knocked Frazier down six times in two rounds to win the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles.

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Title Defenses & First Loss (1973–1974)

• Defeated José Roman (1st round KO) and Ken Norton (2nd round KO), both in 1973–74.

• October 30, 1974 – The Rumble in the Jungle vs. Muhammad Ali:
  

  • Location: Kinshasa, Zaire

  • Outcome: Lost via 8th-round KO.

  • Highlight: Ali’s “rope-a-dope” strategy led to Foreman’s first professional loss.

🔁

Retirement and Return (1977–1987)

• After a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman claimed a religious experience and retired to become a preacher.

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Comeback & Second Career (1987–1997)

• Returned to boxing in 1987 at age 38 after a 10-year layoff.

• Fought younger contenders and top-ranked fighters like Evander Holyfield, Gerry Cooney, and Tommy Morrison.

• November 5, 1994 – Foreman vs. Michael Moorer:
  

  • Outcome: Foreman, at age 45, knocked out Moorer in the 10th round.

  • Highlight: Became the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

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Final Fights & Retirement

• Lost controversial decision to Shannon Briggs in 1997.

• Retired with a record of 76 wins (68 by KO), 5 losses.

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Legacy

• • Incredible punching power (one of the hardest hitters in history)

  • Longevity and comeback story

  • Charisma outside the ring, especially in his second career as a grill entrepreneur and commentator

Joe Louis vs “Jersey” Joe Walcott.

Yankee Stadium, June 25, 1948.

Another from my grandfather.