George Foreman - Turning Pro

George Foreman turned pro in 1969, going up against Don Walheim on June 23, in his first professional boxing match. He won, and by the end of the year he was 13-0, with 11 knockouts to his credit. The following year, he knocked out 11 men, and won his twelfth match by a decision. Foreman was moving up fast, and in 1970, the respected Ring magazine ranked him second among heavyweight contenders. In the next couple of years, he continued his unbroken winning streak, earning twelve straight knockouts. Some grumbled that he had been fighting has-beens and never-wases, but now he had earned his shot to go up against an undisputed champion.

In January 22, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, he met the much-feared Joe Frazier. As usual, Frazier came out swinging against his opponent, but he was met by a long left and a hard right that sent him to the mat twice in the first round. The crowd was stunned, but the second round was even worse for Frazier, who hit the mat three times. Foreman actually lifted Frazier off the mat with one of his punches, and he signaled to Frazier's corner to call the fight, fearing he might kill the champ. Fortunately, the referee stepped in shortly afterwards, calling the fight for Foreman. The world had a new heavyweight champion.