Foster, "Bob" (Robert W.)
Boxing
b. April 27, 1938, Albuquerque, NM
Like several other great light-heavyweights, Foster tried unsuccessfully to become the heavyweight championship. Two of his eight career defeats were in heavyweight fights.
Foster began his professional career with a knockout early in 1961. He had a fine record for his first five years, but it got even better. Beginning in 1966, he won twenty in a row, nineteen by knockout. During that string, he won the light-heavyweight championship by knocking out Dick Tiger in the fourth round on May 24, 1968.
Foster's winning streak ended on November 18, 1970, when he fought Joe Frazier for the heavyweight championship. Frazier knocked him out in the second round.
However, Foster retained his light-heavyweight title and won nine more in a row, eight by knockout, before facing former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. Ali knocked Foster out in the eighth round on November 21, 1972. After defending his light-heavy title three more times, on two decisions and a draw, Foster announced his retirement in 1974. But he returned to the ring less than a year later. He had five lackluster victories, then was knocked out twice in 1978 and retired for good.
Foster won 46 of his 65 professional fights, 46 of them by knockout. He lost 8, 6 by knockout, and had one draw.