Evander Holyfield vs George Foreman on April 19, 1991, saw two legends come together for the WBA, WBC and IBF undisputed heavyweight championship. Relive this memorable night with Big Fight Weekend as “The Real Deal” faced “Big George” in Atlantic City.
Evander Holyfield vs George Foreman: Reliving the 1991 Heavyweight Clash
Evander Holyfield vs George Foreman Fight Recap
Holyfield came into the fight having beaten James “Buster” Douglas and agreed to give Foreman his shot. Foreman was 24-0, 23 KOs since coming out of retirement. Holyfield was putting his shots together well early on, while Foreman tried to punch between Holyfield’s shots, but “The Real Deal” proved too slick, letting his combinations go.
The fight exploded in round 7, with Holyfield missing a left hook, before Foreman countered with a big right hand, which gave him his best moment of the fight. Holyfield recovered as the round wore on, staggering Foreman with accurate combinations. “Big George” showed his durability to just make it out of the round.
Foreman was competitive throughout the fight, with his toughness and power making him a live threat. “The Real Deal” was ultimately too slick, and was first to the punch, dictating the tempo throughout. “Big George” showed his durability to take Holyfield the full 12 rounds when many heavyweights would have fallen. Both fighters gathered to hear the judge’s scorecards, which were 116-111, 115-112 and 117-110, all in favour of Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield.
The Aftermath
Following Evander Holyfield vs George Foreman, many considered that to be the last chance for “Big George” to become heavyweight champion, but at 45 years old, Foreman was presented the opportunity to face Michael Moorer, who he memorably knocked out in round 10 to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
The passing of George Foreman was announced on March 21, 2025, by his family, and the boxing world mourned the death of a heavyweight icon. The legacy of “Big George” will live on for many generations to come.
