Why Didn't Ali Give George Foreman a Rematch?

[VatoMulatto]

Foreman had six more fights after his loss to Ali before decided to leave boxing for ten years but did Foreman ask for a rematch during this time? It was such a big upset I'd think many people would love to see them fight again and demand a rematch.

[Gentblue]

From what I've read Foremen wanted a rematch and Ali rejected the idea.

[muslimer12]

A rematch would of ended the same way. Foreman just wasnt the same after the Ali fight, that fight took away his confidence. He lost to jimmy young, and went life and death with Ron Lyle. To be fair two great fighters, but a rematch at that stage with Ali was pointless.

The Foreman vs Tyson was a fight i cant believe didnt happen.

[VatoMulatto]

A rematch would of ended the same way. Foreman just wasnt the same after the Ali fight, that fight took away his confidence. He lost to jimmy young, and went life and death with Ron Lyle. To be fair two great fighters, but a rematch at that stage with Ali was pointless.

The Foreman vs Tyson was a fight i cant believe didnt happen.

I don't think the fight was pointless. The fight against Foreman took a lot out of Ali too and he had also started to slip. Regarding Foreman It was a slugfest against Lyle, they went toe to toe and Foreman knocked him out. He also knocked out Joe Frazier for the second time. I think a rematch should've happened.

[SeekDaGreat]

A rematch would of ended the same way. Foreman just wasnt the same after the Ali fight, that fight took away his confidence. He lost to jimmy young, and went life and death with Ron Lyle. To be fair two great fighters, but a rematch at that stage with Ali was pointless.

The Foreman vs Tyson was a fight i cant believe didnt happen.

That Ron Lyle fight was a true barn burner. Ron Lyle would steamroll through today's HW division.

[muslimer12]

I don't think the fight was pointless. The fight against Foreman took a lot out of Ali too and he had also started to slip. Regarding Foreman It was a slugfest against Lyle, they went toe to toe and Foreman knocked him out. He also knocked out Joe Frazier for the second time. I think a rematch should've happened.

How did the Foreman fight take anything away from Ali? Ali got hit in the stomach but nothing that bad. And he went to war with Frazier after that. foreman took a year long lay off after the Ali fight, then he fights Lyle,who Ali already TKOd, and didnt look that impressive, even though being an action packed fight, then he fights Frazier again after Ali just TKOd Frazier, then retires like a year later after losing to Young.

Foreman literally fought for one year after the Ali fight, then retired. Mentally Foreman was just not there anymore.

[deathofaclown]

The Foreman vs Tyson was a fight i cant believe didnt happen.

Is it true that Tyson actually ducked Foreman?

I've heard that many times, i can't remember the full story but supposedly Mike wasn't too keen on fighting him. It was before my time so i don't know.

I'd always just assumed that Foreman wasn't seen as a serious top HW during his comeback until he actually won the title, apart from fighting Holyfield in 91 or whatever. So Tyson was already jailed before Foreman won a title. I dunno, i just always assumed that their paths never really crossed in terms of it being a serious fight, even though i'm sure the idea was presented to them.

Anyway, i'd heard Tyson basically ducked the fight which i find hard to believe he would duck a very old man in boxing terms, especially then.

[firstborn]

How did the Foreman fight take anything away from Ali? Ali got hit in the stomach but nothing that bad. And he went to war with Frazier after that. foreman took a year long lay off after the Ali fight, then he fights Lyle,who Ali already TKOd, and didnt look that impressive, even though being an action packed fight, then he fights Frazier again after Ali just TKOd Frazier, then retires like a year later after losing to Young.

Foreman literally fought for one year after the Ali fight, then retired. Mentally Foreman was just not there anymore.

Have you ever sparred before? Every time I do my body is a little sore, I can only imagine the pain a world class puncher like Foreman was able to inflict on Ali.

In regards to your comment about Foreman, I believe your right. I read his biography and he mentioned falling into depression after the Ali fight....having your aura of invincibility taken away can do that!

[paulf]

He took some time off, rematched Frazier and stopped him, and was on the grind back to a title shot when he lost to Jimmy Young. Foreman said he felt like he was robbed and retired, disgusted with boxing and his life at the time.

[-PBP-]

Foreman pushed for it but it never happened despite 3 different promoters. I don't think Ali's team wanted it but at the same time, the first fight wasn't close or controversial. So there was really no need to fight the dangerous Foreman on neutral turf.

But I've been watching Ali films all day. He clearly was a declining fighter after the Rumble and got a couple of decisions based on his popularity. I can't imagine him beating Big George again especially post Thrilla.