Back in 1989, George Foreman, the ex-heavyweight champion, went head-to-head with Everett “Bigfoot” Martin in an unforgettable boxing match. Both hailing from Houston, Texas, the similarities between the two boxers pretty much ended there. Foreman, aged 40, was determined to recapture the heavyweight title he had lost to Muhammad Ali. On the other hand, Martin, known for his toughness and fearless attitude, understood he would not become a world champion.
The bout went down in July 1989 in Tucson, featuring Foreman weighing at 258 pounds and Martin at 228 pounds. Despite his older age, Foreman’s potent left jab dominated the fight. While it might not have been a legendary match, it was certainly an engaging one. Foreman managed to knock Martin down in the eighth round, but Martin got up and continued to put up a fight.
Throughout the match, Martin kept saying, “It’s my time, Lord,” but it was Foreman who ultimately emerged as the winner. Foreman commended Martin as one of the toughest rivals he had ever encountered. Out of his 60 pro fights, Martin was knocked out only 12 times, highlighting his resilience.
Although the Foreman-Martin fight didn’t garner much attention back then, it played a pivotal role in Foreman’s comeback journey. Despite his age, Foreman went on to challenge the reigning champion Evander Holyfield in less than two years. Martin continued boxing until 2001, leaving behind a legacy that didn’t entirely capture his unwavering spirit and competitive drive.
