Foreman vs. Frazier I Took Place 51 Years Ago

January 22, 1973, was the first time that two heavyweight Olympic gold medalists disputed the world title, in addition to fighting for the first time for that coveted Green and Gold Title  in Jamaica….of their own accord!

Joe Frazier, who had defeated Muhammad Ali, was defending his title against the number one challenger, George Foreman. Two great undefeated TNT KO artists; Foreman with 37 wins and 35 knockouts and Frazier with 35 wins and 30 knockouts.

Frazier was known for being a strong and aggressive fighter and that’s how he started the match, trying to hurt his opponent. Foreman took things in his stride and weathered the champion’s attacks with surprising calm.

Frazier was trying to close distance and land his powerful left hook, but Foreman on his toes evaded what seemed momentarily predictable punches with apparent ease.

Joe kept trying to hurt George who clinched when he sensed danger. His tremendous strength was evident.

Foreman seized the opportunity and landed a powerful right uppercut as Frazier moved his head in a defensive move, causing the champion to fall heavily. The Kingston National Stadium fell silent, as the favorite hit the canvas hard.

Frazier got up quickly, not looking hurt. Foreman went looking for him and took him to his own corner, throwing powerful hooks with both hands. Frazier twisted at the waist and tried to counter with his left hook but missed. Another powerful right uppercut to the jaw of Frazier landed and he went down for the second time. He got up in a very poor condition only to fall back to the canvas.

The end of the first round came and the bell saved Frazier from being blitzed. In the second round Frazier came out in a hurry because he knew that he was already at a disadvantage, and he wanted to hurt Foreman at any cost. George, instead, waited patiently looking for the opportunity to fell him again.

A hook combination from Foreman sent Frazier to the canvas once more. George knew full well that he had to finish the fight as soon as possible, so he landed a looping left that knocked down the then champion again.

Another Foreman combination caused the sixth knock down of the former world champion who bravely and incredibly got up again. The essence of courage under fire, but this time Referee Arthur Mercante decided to stop the fight. BIG GEORGE Foreman became the new WBC heavyweight world champion.