Why Didn't Ali Give George Foreman a Rematch?

[champion4ever]

It's because after the Thrilla in Manilla, Muhammad Ali's handlers were protecting him by setting him up with easy fights. 1976 was supposed to have been Muhammad's last year in boxing. So they cashed him out by defending the title four times that year; Including an exhibition bout with Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki.

However by 1977, Ali was semi-retired and George Foreman had become his No. 1 contender for his title again. However, Foreman lost to Jimmy Young which set up a title elimination between himself and Ken Norton of that year. However, Ali stated that he wouldn't faced the winner of either fighter.; Which Norton won.

So the real reason why he never gave Foreman a rematch because his skills were corrroding and he was washed up by that time.

[MrRolltide91]

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.

True cant really blame Foreman for going after the rematch. His first lost was to Ali and Ali gave plenty of rematches to other fighters

[iamboxing]

Ali mentioned Foreman during a BBC interview with Michael Parkinson when asked why he was fighting Bugner who was a bum. He said from what he's heard, "Foreman lost his guts, and might quit..." During the 4 minute mark:

[VatoMulatto]

Ali mentioned Foreman during a BBC interview with Michael Parkinson when asked why he was fighting Bugner who was a bum. He said from what he's heard, "Foreman lost his guts, and might quit..." During the 4 minute mark:

Nice interview.

[2Shotz]

Psychology is a vital component at the top. Ali having acheived the impossible in Zaire sonned Foreman. Fact is, the rematch would’ve been worth having but Ali had a mental edge, and also, how bad did George really want it? The man walked away from boxing for a decade b/c he’d had enough.

[DreamFighter]

he crushed him first time, there was no call for a rematch.
Ali was obviously far superior.

some of the people asking this are the ones who give wlad a free pass for skipping multiple rematches with bums who killed him.

[4truth]

I think Foreman could have beaten Ali but he got mentally broken. Foreman never should have gone to Africa to fight. At that time, Africa was about as far from neutral ground as Foreman could have been. Damage was done and a rematch would likely have ended in a similar fashion.

We never saw a prime George Foreman.