Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman: Difference between revisions

The Battle of the Ages
Date	April 19, 1991
Venue	Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Title(s) on the line	WBA, WBC and IBF undisputed heavyweight championship
Tale of the tape
Boxer
Boxer	Evander Holyfield
Nickname	The Real Deal
Hometown	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Purse	$20,000,000
Pre-fight record	25–0 (21 KO)
Age	28 years, 6 months
Height	6 ft 2+1⁄2 in (189 cm)
Weight	208 lb (94 kg)
Style	Orthodox
Recognition	WBA, WBC and IBF undisputed; Heavyweight Champion; The Ring pound-for-pound No. 6 ranked fighter; 2-division undisputed world champion
Result
	Holyfield wins via 12-round unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112, 117-110)

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Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman, billed as The Battle of the Ages, was a professional boxing match contested on April 19, 1991 for the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight championships.^[1]

Background

On October 25, 1990, Evander Holyfield defeated James "Buster" Douglas by third round knockout to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Prior to his match with Douglas, Holyfield delayed a potential fight with Mike Tyson, instead agreeing to face 42-year-old George Foreman for the titles should he defeat Douglas.^[2] Since ending his 10-year retirement in 1987, Foreman was a perfect 24–0, with 23 of his wins coming via knockout. With Foreman's popularity at an all-time high coupled with the fact that he could possibly become the oldest Heavyweight champion in boxing history, anticipation for the bout was high. As such, the two fighters received high payouts, Holyfield was guaranteed $20 million, while Foreman took home a guaranteed $12.5 million. Despite his age, the outspoken Foreman remained confident that he could dethrone Holyfield and in the months before the fight often said as much in the media.^[3] Not to be outdone, Holyfield's manager Dan Duva lampooned Foreman's weight, infamously stating that the fight should be called "The Real Deal" vs. "The Big Meal" and "Some people say George is as fit as a fiddle. But I think he looks more like a cello."^[4]

The fight

The fight is perhaps best remembered for its memorable round 7. At the beginning of the round, Holyfield was the aggressor, throwing several jabs as Foreman stood back, seemingly waiting for an opportunity to land a powerful right hand. Seconds later, Holyfield missed with a left hook, which led to Foreman countering with a big right hook to Holyfield's head. Foreman would then become the aggressor and continue his attack on Holyfield, landing several punches within the round's first minute. As the second minute of the round began, Holyfield rebounded and proceeded to land a 15-second, multiple punch combination that staggered Foreman. Though Holyfield's barrage of punches seemed to tire Foreman, he nevertheless was able to survive the remainder of the round without going down.

Foreman had a point deducted in round eleven for a low blow.

Though Foreman was able to stay competitive throughout the fight, Holyfield ultimately won the fight via unanimous decision, winning all three judges scorecards by scores of 116–111, 115–112, and 117–110 (erroneously announced as "117-100" by Michael Buffer). Foreman, however, impressed many by going the distance with the much younger champion.^[5] HBO's Harold Lederman scored the fight 119-108 for Holyfield, giving Foreman only the sixth round. The Associated Press had it 118-110 for Holyfield, giving Foreman rounds three and five. Ring magazine had the fight 116-113 for Holyfield.

Aftermath

The fight was a huge success financially, becoming for a time the highest-grossing boxing match of all time. The bout brought in approximately $55 million from pay-per-view buys, with 1.45 million American homes purchasing the fight. Also, an additional $8 million was made from the live gate, with an estimated 19,000 fans attending the fight live.^[6]

Many thought this would be Foreman's last chance at the Heavyweight championship. Foreman, however, would shock the boxing world over three years later by defeating Michael Moorer to become the oldest Heavyweight champion at age 45.

Undercard

Confirmed bouts:^[7]

Broadcasting

Country	Broadcaster
United Kingdom	Sky Movies
United States	HBO

References

^ "Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman". boxrec.com. BoxRec. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
^ Holyfield Lines Up Foreman Bout, N.Y. Times article, 1990-10-12, Retrieved on 2013-05-15
^ Foreman's Jaw Keeps Jabbing Heavyweight Hawks Self as Next Champ, Baltimore Sun article, 1991-04-15, Retrieved on 2013-05-15
^ Holyfield Leans In As Foreman Chews the Fat, Baltimore Sun article, 1990-11-21, Retrieved on 2013-05-15
^ No Joke, Sports Illustrated article, 1991-04-29, Retrieved on 2013-05-15
^ Revenue Record Apparently Falling, N.Y. Times article, 1991-04-25, Retrieved on 2013-05-15
^ "BoxRec - event".

Preceded by vs. Buster Douglas	Evander Holyfield's bouts April 19, 1991	Succeeded by vs. Bert Cooper
Preceded by vs. Terry Anderson	George Foreman's bouts April 19, 1991	Succeeded by vs. Jim Ellis

[1] "Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman". boxrec.com. BoxRec. Retrieved 20 March 2024.

[2] Holyfield Lines Up Foreman Bout, N.Y. Times article, 1990-10-12, Retrieved on 2013-05-15

[3] Foreman's Jaw Keeps Jabbing Heavyweight Hawks Self as Next Champ, Baltimore Sun article, 1991-04-15, Retrieved on 2013-05-15

[4] Holyfield Leans In As Foreman Chews the Fat, Baltimore Sun article, 1990-11-21, Retrieved on 2013-05-15

[5] No Joke, Sports Illustrated article, 1991-04-29, Retrieved on 2013-05-15

[6] Revenue Record Apparently Falling, N.Y. Times article, 1991-04-25, Retrieved on 2013-05-15

[7] "BoxRec - event".

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[2]

[3]

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{short description|Boxing competition}}
-{{Infobox Boxingmatch
+{{Infobox boxing match
-|fight date=April 19, 1991
-|Fight Name="The Battle of the Ages"
+| Fight Name   = The Battle of the Ages
+| image        = [[File:Battle of the Ages.jpg|230px]]
-|location=[[Boardwalk Hall|Convention Center]] in [[Atlantic City|Atlantic City, New Jersey]]
+| caption      =
-|image=[[File:Battle of the Ages.jpg|230px]]
+| fight date   = April 19, 1991
-|fighter1=[[Evander Holyfield]]
+| location     = [[Boardwalk Hall]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], [[United States|U.S.]]
-|nickname1="The Real Deal"
+| titles       = [[World Boxing Association|WBA]], [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] and [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] [[Undisputed championship (boxing)|undisputed]] heavyweight championship
-|record1=25–0
+| fighter1     = [[Evander Holyfield]]
-|height1=6'2"
+| nickname1    = The Real Deal
-|weight1=208 lb
+| hometown1    = [[Atlanta, Georgia]], U.S.
-|style1=Orthodox
+| purse1       = $20,000,000
-|hometown1=[[Atlanta|Atlanta, Georgia]], [[United States|US]]
+| record1      = 25–0 (21 KO)
-|recognition1=[[World Boxing Association|WBA]]/[[World Boxing Council|WBC]]/[[International Boxing Federation|IBF]]/[[Lineal championship|Lineal]]<br>Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
+| age1         = {{age in years and months |19 October 1962 |April 19, 1991}}
-|fighter2=[[George Foreman]]
+| height1      = 6 ft 2+1/2 in
-|nickname2="Big"
+| weight1      = 208 lb
-|record2=69–2
+| style1       = Orthodox
-|height2=6'4"
+| recognition1 = [[World Boxing Association|WBA]], [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] and [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] [[Undisputed championship (boxing)|undisputed]]<br>Heavyweight Champion<br>[[The Ring (magazine)|''The Ring'']] [[Pound for pound|pound-for-pound]] No. 6 ranked fighter<br>2-division [[Undisputed championship (boxing)|undisputed]] world champion
-|weight2=257 lb
+| fighter2     = [[George Foreman]]
-|style2=Orthodox
+| nickname2    = Big George
-|hometown2=[[Houston|Houston, Texas]] [[United States|US]]
+| hometown2    = [[Houston, Texas]]
-|recognition2=[[World Boxing Association|WBA]]/[[International Boxing Federation|IBF]]<br>#2 Ranked Heavyweight<br>[[World Boxing Council|WBC]]<br>#3 Ranked Heavyweight
+| purse2       = $12,500,000
-|titles=[[World Boxing Association|WBA]]/[[World Boxing Council|WBC]]/[[International Boxing Federation|IBF]]/[[Lineal championship|Lineal]] Heavyweight Championships
+| record2      = 69–2 (65 KO)
+| age2         = {{age in years and months |January 10, 1949 |April 19, 1991}}
+| height2      = 6 ft 4 in
+| weight2      = 257 lb
+| style2       = Orthodox
+| recognition2 = [[World Boxing Association|WBA]]/[[International Boxing Federation|IBF]]<br>No. 2 Ranked Heavyweight<br>[[World Boxing Council|WBC]]<br>No. 3 Ranked Heavyweight<br>Former [[Undisputed championship (boxing)|undisputed]] heavyweight champion
+| result       = Holyfield wins via 12-round '''[[unanimous decision]]''' (116-111, 115-112, 117-110)
 }}
-'''[[Evander Holyfield]] vs. [[George Foreman]]''', billed as "'''The Battle of the Ages'''", was a professional boxing match contested on April 19, 1991 for the [[World Boxing Association|WBA]], [[World Boxing Council|WBC]], [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] and [[List of lineal boxing world champions#Heavyweight|Lineal]] Heavyweight championships.
+'''[[Evander Holyfield]] vs. [[George Foreman]]''', billed as '''''The Battle of the Ages''''', was a professional boxing match contested on April 19, 1991 for the [[World Boxing Association|WBA]], [[World Boxing Council|WBC]], and [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] heavyweight championships.<ref>{{cite web |title=Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman |url=https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Evander_Holyfield_vs._George_Foreman |website=boxrec.com |publisher=BoxRec |access-date=20 March 2024}}</ref>
 ==Background==
-On October 25, 1990, Evander Holyfield defeated [[Buster Douglas|James "Buster" Douglas]] by third round knockout to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Prior to his match with Douglas, Holyfield delayed a potential fight with [[Mike Tyson]], instead agreeing to face 42-year-old George Foreman for the titles should he defeat Douglas.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/12/sports/holyfield-lines-up-foreman-bout.html Holyfield Lines Up Foreman Bout], N.Y. Times article, 1990-10-12, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref> Since ending his 10-year retirement in 1987, Foreman was a perfect 24–0, with 23 of his wins coming via knockout. With Foreman's popularity at an all-time high coupled with the fact that he could possibly become the oldest Heavyweight champion in boxing history, anticipation for the bout was high. As such, the two fighters received high payouts, Holyfield was guaranteed $20 million, while Foreman took home a guaranteed $12.5 million. Despite his age, the outspoken Foreman remained confident that he could dethrone Holyfield and in the months before the fight often said as much in the media.<ref>[http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-04-15/sports/1991105017_1_george-foreman-heavyweight-championship-belt-holyfield Foreman's Jaw Keeps Jabbing Heavyweight Hawks Self as Next Champ], Baltimore Sun article, 1991-04-15, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref> Not to be outdone, Holyfield's manager [[Dan Duva]] lampooned Foreman's weight, infamously stating that the fight should be called "The Real Deal" vs. "The Big Meal" and "Some people say George is as fit as a fiddle. But I think he looks more like a cello."<ref>[http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1990-11-21/sports/1990325007_1_george-foreman-holyfield-bob-arum Holyfield Leans In As Foreman Chews the Fat], Baltimore Sun article, 1990-11-21, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref>
+On October 25, 1990, Evander Holyfield defeated [[Buster Douglas|James "Buster" Douglas]] by third round knockout to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Prior to his match with Douglas, Holyfield delayed a potential fight with [[Mike Tyson]], instead agreeing to face 42-year-old George Foreman for the titles should he defeat Douglas.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/12/sports/holyfield-lines-up-foreman-bout.html Holyfield Lines Up Foreman Bout], N.Y. Times article, 1990-10-12, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref> Since ending his 10-year retirement in 1987, Foreman was a perfect 24–0, with 23 of his wins coming via knockout. With Foreman's popularity at an all-time high coupled with the fact that he could possibly become the oldest Heavyweight champion in boxing history, anticipation for the bout was high. As such, the two fighters received high payouts, Holyfield was guaranteed $20 million, while Foreman took home a guaranteed $12.5 million. Despite his age, the outspoken Foreman remained confident that he could dethrone Holyfield and in the months before the fight often said as much in the media.<ref>[https://www.baltimoresun.com/1991/04/15/foremans-jaw-keeps-jabbing-heavyweight-hawks-self-as-next-champ/ Foreman's Jaw Keeps Jabbing Heavyweight Hawks Self as Next Champ], Baltimore Sun article, 1991-04-15, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref> Not to be outdone, Holyfield's manager [[Dan Duva]] lampooned Foreman's weight, infamously stating that the fight should be called "The Real Deal" vs. "The Big Meal" and "Some people say George is as fit as a fiddle. But I think he looks more like a cello."<ref>[https://www.baltimoresun.com/1990/11/21/holyfield-leans-in-as-foreman-chews-the-fat-boxing/ Holyfield Leans In As Foreman Chews the Fat], Baltimore Sun article, 1990-11-21, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref>
 ==The fight==
-The fight is perhaps best remembered for its memorable round 7. At the beginning of the round, Holyfield was the aggressor, throwing several jabs as Foreman stood back, seemingly waiting for an opportunity to land a powerful right hand. Seconds later, Holyfield missed with a left hook, which led to Foreman countering with a big right hook to Holyfield's head. Foreman would then become the aggressor and continue his attack on Holyfield, landing several punches within the round's first minute. As the second minute of the round began, Holyfield rebounded and proceeded to land a 15-second, multiple punch combination that staggered Foreman. Though Holyfield's barrage of punches seemed to tire Foreman, he nevertheless was able to survive the remainder of the round without going down. This round was ultimately named "Round of the Year" by [[The Ring (magazine)|''The Ring'' magazine]]. Though Foreman was able to stay competitive throughout the fight, Holyfield ultimately won the fight via [[unanimous decision]], winning all three judges scorecards by scores of 116–111, 117–110 and 115–112. Foreman, however, impressed many by going the distance with the much younger champion.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1140689/index.htm No Joke], Sports Illustrated article, 1991-04-29, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref>
+The fight is perhaps best remembered for its memorable round 7. At the beginning of the round, Holyfield was the aggressor, throwing several jabs as Foreman stood back, seemingly waiting for an opportunity to land a powerful right hand. Seconds later, Holyfield missed with a left hook, which led to Foreman countering with a big right hook to Holyfield's head. Foreman would then become the aggressor and continue his attack on Holyfield, landing several punches within the round's first minute. As the second minute of the round began, Holyfield rebounded and proceeded to land a 15-second, multiple punch combination that staggered Foreman. Though Holyfield's barrage of punches seemed to tire Foreman, he nevertheless was able to survive the remainder of the round without going down.
+Foreman had a point deducted in round eleven for a low blow.
+Though Foreman was able to stay competitive throughout the fight, Holyfield ultimately won the fight via [[unanimous decision]], winning all three judges scorecards by scores of 116–111, 115–112, and 117–110 (erroneously announced as "117-100" by [[Michael Buffer]]). Foreman, however, impressed many by going the distance with the much younger champion.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100704021656/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1140689/index.htm No Joke], Sports Illustrated article, 1991-04-29, Retrieved on 2013-05-15</ref> HBO's [[Harold Lederman]] scored the fight 119-108 for Holyfield, giving Foreman only the sixth round. The [[Associated Press]] had it 118-110 for Holyfield, giving Foreman rounds three and five. [[The Ring magazine|Ring magazine]] had the fight 116-113 for Holyfield.
 ==Aftermath==
@@ Line 34: / Line 45: @@
 Many thought this would be Foreman's last chance at the Heavyweight championship. Foreman, however, would shock the boxing world over three years later by [[Michael Moorer vs. George Foreman|defeating]] [[Michael Moorer]] to become the oldest Heavyweight champion at age 45.
+==Undercard==
+Confirmed bouts:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/3757|title=BoxRec - event|publisher=}}</ref>
+==Broadcasting==
+{| class="wikitable"
+|-
+! align=center | Country
+! align=center | Broadcaster
+|-
+| {{flag|United Kingdom}} ||  [[Sky Cinema|Sky Movies]]
+|-
+| {{flag|United States}} || [[HBO]]
+|}
 ==References==
 {{reflist}}
+{{s-start}}
+{{s-bef | before=[[Buster Douglas vs. Evander Holyfield|vs. Buster Douglas]]}}
+{{s-ttl | title=[[Evander Holyfield]]'s bouts |years=April 19, 1991}}
+{{s-aft | after=[[Evander Holyfield vs. Bert Cooper|vs. Bert Cooper]]}}
+{{s-bef | before=vs. Terry Anderson}}
+{{s-ttl | title=[[George Foreman]]'s bouts |years=April 19, 1991}}
+{{s-aft | after=vs. [[Jim Ellis (American football)|Jim Ellis]]}}
+{{s-end}}
 {{Evander Holyfield}}
 {{George Foreman}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Holyfield, Foreman}}
 [[Category:1991 in boxing]]
-[[Category:Boxing in New Jersey]]
+[[Category:1991 in sports in New Jersey]]
-[[Category:Sports in Atlantic City, New Jersey]]
+[[Category:April 1991 sports events in the United States]]
-[[Category:1991 in New Jersey]]
+[[Category:Boxing matches at Boardwalk Hall]]
-[[Category:World Boxing Association heavyweight championship fights]]
+[[Category:Boxing matches involving Evander Holyfield|Foreman]]
-[[Category:World Boxing Council heavyweight championship fights]]
+[[Category:Boxing matches involving George Foreman|Holyfield]]
-[[Category:International Boxing Federation heavyweight championship fights]]
+[[Category:Boxing on HBO]]
-[[Category:April 1991 sports events]]
+[[Category:Boxing on Sky Sports]]
+[[Category:World Boxing Association heavyweight championship matches]]
+[[Category:World Boxing Council heavyweight championship matches]]
+[[Category:International Boxing Federation heavyweight championship matches]]
+[[Category:Pay-per-view boxing matches]]

v t e Evander Holyfield
Fights	Muhammad Qawi vs. Holyfield Holyfield vs. Tillman Holyfield vs. Parkey Hoyfield vs. Ocasio Holyfield vs. Muhammad Qawi II Holyfield vs. De León Holyfield vs. Tillis Holyfield vs. Thomas Dokes vs. Holyfield Holyfield vs. Rodrigues Holyfield vs. Stewart Holyfield vs. McDonagh Douglas vs. Holyfield Holyfield vs. Foreman Holyfield vs. Cooper Holyfield vs. Holmes Holyfield vs. Bowe Holyfield vs. Stewart II Bowe vs. Holyfield II Holyfield vs. Moorer Holyfield vs. Mercer Bowe vs. Holyfield III Holyfield vs. Czyz Tyson vs. Holyfield Holyfield vs. Tyson II Holyfield vs. Moorer II Holyfield vs. Bean Holyfield vs. Lewis Holyfield vs. Lewis II Holyfield vs. Ruiz Holyfield vs. Ruiz II Ruiz vs. Holyfield III Holyfield vs. Rahman Byrd vs. Holyfield Holyfield vs. Toney Holyfield vs. Donald Ibragimov vs. Holyfield Valuev vs. Holyfield Holyfield vs. Belfort
Team	Shelly Finkel Don King George Benton Lou Duva Don Turner Emanuel Steward Ronnie Shields
Other	Holyfield's Real Deal Records Evander Holyfield's Real Deal Boxing Raging Bully

v t e George Foreman
Fights	Frazier vs. Foreman Foreman vs. Roman Foreman vs. Norton Foreman vs. Ali Foreman vs. Frazier II Foreman vs. Cooney Foreman vs. Rodrigues Holyfield vs. Foreman Foreman vs. Morrison Moorer vs. Foreman Foreman vs. Schulz Foreman vs. Grimsley Foreman vs. Savarese Foreman vs. Briggs
Works about	George When We Were Kings (1996 documentary) Big George Foreman (2023 film)
Video games	George Foreman's KO Boxing Foreman For Real
Family	George Foreman III
Other	George Foreman Grill World Boxing Union (list) Boxing at the 1968 Summer Olympics North American Boxing Federation (list) Texas Sports Hall of Fame International Boxing Hall of Fame