Foreman Loses to Briggs, Says It Was His Last Fight

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Father Time and Shannon Briggs caught up with 48-year-old George Foreman, but most of the 5,000 fans who watched their fight Saturday night at the Trump Taj Majal didn’t think so.

Foreman lost a disputed majority decision and said it was his last fight.

“I’ve had a wonderful career, it is my last fight,” Foreman said. “I’m not going to cry like a baby.”

Briggs won a majority decision, which drew thunderous boos and curses from the crowd.

Foreman who will be 49 on Jan. 10, forced the action from the outset and seemed to have the best of the later rounds. But two of the judges favored the 25-year-old Briggs.

Judge Calvin Claxton scored it 115-112 and Larry Layton 117-113 for Briggs. Steve Weisfeld had it even at 114.

The AP’s card favored Foreman, 116-112.

The loss was only the fifth in 81 fights for Foreman, and ended a four-fight winning streak dating to a decision loss to Tommy Morrison on June 7, 1993.

“I’m not going to be boxing again,” Foreman reiterated. “You can only get so many millions.”

When Foreman ended a 10-year retirement in 1987, he said he was coming back to make $100,000 for his youth center. He made at least $100 million, including $5 million Saturday night.

Briggs earned $400,000 and put himself in line for a big-money fight with his 30th victory against a single loss.