Axel Schulz still hurt by Botha Doping Scandal

Former heavyweight boxer Axel Schulz says losing to steroid cheat Francois Botha hurt more than missing out on a massive rematch with George Foreman.

Schulz famously lost a controversial decision to Foreman in 1995 in a fight many believed he deserved to win. A rematch was ordered, but Foreman instead vacated the IBF title, costing Schulz a second fight that could have earned him millions.

But according to Schulz, the real frustration came later that year against Botha.

The German heavyweight lost a split decision to Botha in front of a record television audience in Germany, only for the South African fighter to later test positive for steroids and be stripped of the title.

“I was more upset by that one than I was fighting Foreman again,” Schulz said.

Schulz never received a rematch despite the failed drug test, something he clearly still feels strongly about decades later.

The 57-year-old also believes the controversy helped push boxing toward stronger anti-doping rules in later years.

Today, Schulz works as a boxing analyst and businessman in Germany.