29 years ago
George Foreman vs Axel Schulz
Date: 22nd April 1995
Venue: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada
Title: IBF & vacant WBU World Heavyweight Titles
Promoter: Bob Arum, Cedric Kushner
Tv: HBO
George Foreman
(
73
-
4
-
0
)
Weight: 256 lbs
Axel Schulz
(
21
-
1
-
1
)
Weight: 221 lbs
On April 22, 1995, George Foreman, aged 45, stepped into the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, to defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Title against the German contender Axel Schulz. This bout, Foreman's first title defence since his historic victory over Michael Moorer, was set against the backdrop of controversy and anticipation.
Foreman, a legend in the sport, had defied age and expectations to recapture the heavyweight championship 20 years after winning it, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history. The fight against Schulz, however, was mired in promotional and sanctioning complexities, with Foreman being stripped of his WBA title for choosing Schulz, an unranked contender, as his opponent. Despite these challenges, Foreman entered the fight as a heavy favourite, with odds of 6 to 1 in his favour and a purse of $10 million compared to Schulz's $350,000.
The fight aired live on HBO, drawing significant viewership, as fans and critics alike were eager to see if Foreman could continue his remarkable comeback. The match attracted a crowd of 11,111 spectators, all waiting to witness whether Foreman could maintain his grip on the championship against the younger Schulz.
The bout itself defied the expectations of many. Foreman, known for his power, faced a mobile and determined Schulz who utilized his speed and agility to navigate the champion's formidable offence. Schulz managed to land 229 of 482 punches against Foreman's 249 of 543, showcasing his ability to compete with the champion. Despite Foreman's left eye swelling shut due to Schulz's effective striking, the official judges awarded Foreman a majority decision victory, with two scores of 115-113 and one of 114-114, a verdict that was met with controversy and debate among boxing fans and pundits.
In the aftermath of the fight, the IBF demanded a rematch between Foreman and Schulz due to the contentious nature of the decision. Still, Foreman opted to relinquish the title rather than face Schulz again. This decision led to events that further entangled Foreman in boxing's bureaucratic and promotional battles, ultimately leading to his decision to continue defending his lineal championship without the IBF title.
While controversial, Foreman's victory over Schulz added another chapter to the legend's storied career, showcasing his resilience and determination to compete at the highest levels of boxing, even as he approached his late 40s.
George Foreman vs Axel Schulz on YouTube
