Eight rounds later, the fight was over, as was the legend of the unbeatable George Foreman. In a career-defining loss, Foreman was out-thought and outfought by Ali, finally being counted out following a stinging Ali combination that ended with a shocking right hand.
For Ali, the victory was one more in a career of unbelievable triumphs. For Foreman, the roof caved in.
Following the loss, Foreman disappeared for a while, then re-emerged with an idea that was part circus and part WWE. On April 26, 1975, in Toronto, Foreman fought an exhibition. Actually, make that five exhibitions. The idea was apparently that Foreman would fight five men, knock them all out, recapture his mental edge and thrill the public watching on Wide World of Sports. The reality was it was just stupid.
From the moment Foreman arrived in the ring, boos began cascading down from the rafters. To make matters worse for Foreman, the fights were being announced by Howard Cosell with Ali doing the color commentary. For Ali, doing color meant a non-stop verbal barrage at Foreman.
Alonzo Johnson was the first opponent, coming in at 40 years old with a 23–19 record, as well as sporting a hairstyle that would make Katt Williams jealous. Foreman came out dancing and goofing off, which for a man his size and with his attitude, was actually kind of creepy. A non-descript first round led to Johnson getting knocked out in the second.
“The thing is a carnival and it’s not pleasant to see,” said Howard Cosell, who had a habit of announcing things that were unpleasant to see.
The second fight was against a fellow named Jerry Judge. Foreman stopped him in the second round, as well, though the best action came after the fight was already stopped, as the two brawled and were then joined by their cornermen. When the ring wascleared, fans started throwing things into the ring. Foreman started throwing the things back. Meanwhile, Ali — clearly amazed that anyone would allow him to have this much fun — would occasionally stand and lead the crowd in loud chants of”Ali! Ali! Ali!”
The fights continued. Terry Daniels — a one-time title challenger versus Joe Frazier — was opponent number three. With the second round winding down and an actual fight starting to take place — Foreman waved in the referee who dutifully stopped the fight to give Big George the TKO win. Then Daniels and Foreman fought after the stoppage, and the entire event started looking like it was going to turn into a riot.
Charlie Polite — opponent no. 4 — came in with a record of 13–30–3 but left the ring with two accomplishments — he went the four-round distance, losing a decision, and he got away with blowing kisses at Foreman during the pre-fight staredown. Fight number five also went the distance as Boone Kirkman survived a tiring Foreman’s winging punches for three full rounds.
“This is the weirdest thing you will ever see,” said Cosell.
And it was weird. What was supposed to be an epic return of an incredible bad ass turned into a psychological horror show. Foreman clearly had made no strides in rocovering from his loss to Ali and was — for the entire exhibition — as unlikable a jerk as you will ever see. Aside from the five fighters, Foreman punched an opposing cornerman, and a couple of hi own cornermen, including his cousin.
And all the while, Ali mocked him from the safety of ringside. Rarely will you ever see a man’s psyche so exposed and battered in just over an hour. And Foreman’s psyche was not to improve for two decades more. After the failed exhibition, Foreman strung together some wins (including an epic slugfest versus Ron Lyle), only to be upset by the light-hitting Jimmy Young.
The loss ended any chance Foreman would have in getting a rematch with Ali. After the Young fight, Foreman said he went through a religious experience, and he dedicated his life to his church for many years after, before returning to boxing a nicer, more interesting and much smarter man and fighter. In and out of the ring, he would be rewarded, until at the age of 45, he would regain his heavyweight title by knocking out Micheal Moorer.
In the end, Foreman’s mind and heart were healed and he continues to be a popular celebrity.
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