George Foreman Ends Career With Controversial Loss To Shannon Briggs – This Day In Boxing History (November 22, 1997)

George Foreman finished off his legendary career in controversy. 

Foreman lost to Shannon Briggs by 12-round majority decision – a result that many protested against, including Foreman’s promoters who filed requests for an investigation. 

Those requests were ultimately dismissed. 

Foreman was the favorite. He threw mainly jabs and hard right hands. Though it was slow, it packed a punch as it later caused Briggs’ nose to break and made his face swell.  

After 12 rounds, one judge scored it 114-114 while the other two had Briggs win with scores of 117-113 and 116-112. 

The 5,220 crowd booed the decision. 

Foreman didn’t seem to be as upset as the fans, falling short of a retirement announcement, but did say he didn’t think he’d box again. 

Briggs later said he felt Foreman was trying to “kill him” during the fight.