Foreman had destroyed Joe Frazier in two rounds to become heavyweight champion and stopped José Roman in the first round of his initial defense. Purses and the Caracas CaperFinancial figures showed Foreman reportedly earning approximately $700,000, while Norton received around $200,000. Foreman had destroyed Frazier, Roman, and Norton in consecutive heavyweight title fights, needing only six combined rounds. Norton’s success against Ali suddenly provided an irresistible comparison: Ali had needed 24 rounds against Norton and lost once; Foreman had required less than two. Seven months later, Ali would travel to Zaire and attempt to solve the heavyweight champion Norton could not survive.