Suddenly, Foreman Is Not So Old

Forty-something boxer George Foreman has been telling the doubters along his comeback trail that he is not really so old. Now he has evidence.

Bert Sugar, editor and publisher of Boxing Illustrated, obtained a copy of a birth certificate from the registrar’s office in Travis County, Tex., showing George Edward Foreman was born to J.D. and Nancy Foreman on Jan. 10, 1949.

That birth date, making him 42, is what Foreman has said all along--despite the Ring Record Book, which says he was born on Jan. 22, 1948.

The birth certificate contains little more information, giving no indication if Foreman was born a heavyweight but noting that a midwife was present.

Confirming that Foreman is 42, not 43, means that when he fights Evander Holyfield for the world heavyweight title on April 19, he will not be the oldest man to challenge for a title at any weight.

That honor belongs to Archie Moore, who at 42 years 11 months challenged heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson in 1956.

Moore, who will be in Foreman’s corner next month, also was the oldest champion, holding part of the light-heavyweight title until he was 48 years 2 months old.

“We’re revoking the Methuselah award (from Foreman). The irony is it goes to the same man it has always gone to--who will be in Foreman’s corner,” Sugar said.

The photostat of the birth certificate was certified by the Texas state department of health resources, Sugar said.