George Foreman vs Don Waldhelm 23.6.1969 (Rd 3 KO of Foreman's Pro Debut)

Описание: A young George Foreman fresh off his Gold Medal wining performance at the 1968 Summer Olympics makes his debut as a professional. More info below...

George Foreman was a solidly built 6'3" beast with a impressive 78" reach. He had won a gold medal in boxing at the 1968 Olympics and he was known for his incredible power and aggression more than anything else but he had not yet fought as a professional. He had however been used as sparring partner for former World Heavyweight Champion, Sonny Liston, who was in the twilight of his career and Foreman would even say in later interviews he modelled his demeanour after Liston...

Don Waldhelm is not a famous name in boxing and he is probably most well remembered for this fight here against Foreman even though he had had 11 fights prior and held a 5-4-2 record. Waldhelm had an okay amateur career, winning the 1964 New York Golden Gloves Open Championship at 175lbs before turning pro in 1965. Waldhelm's record is quite interesting in the fact that although he had fought 11 contests he had only faced 6 different people due to rematches. His greatest rival would be Billy Marquart, facing him 3 times over 4 years for a win, lose and a draw. Waldhelm's biggest opponent to date however came in 1967 against then undefeated Puerto Rican fighter, Jose Roman (12-0), whom he lost a split decision to over 4 rounds. In his most recent fight, Waldhelm was TKO'd in 2 by Bill Drover.

The fight wasn't exactly a technical showcase. Foreman had won rounds 1 and 2 with aggressive punching and had bloodied the mouth of Waldhelm heading into Round 3. Foreman was aggressive from the outset, swinging his mighty arms like he was chopping down a tree but Waldhelm to his credit didn't back away too often. When in close he was trying to trade punches and late in the round he was even keeping Foreman at bay with his jab but eventually the pressure of Foreman's power punches was too much and Waldhelm collapsed to the canvas to be counted out. Although dominating, Foreman didn't look THAT impressive but of course all that would change very quickly as he developed into a more effective boxer with each fight.

Waldhelm retired after the loss with a 5-5-2 record.

Don