George Foreman is a well-known name; his career has been long and eventful. Not only does he have the distinction of being known as one of 25 greatest boxers of all time, he was also the oldest man to win a heavyweight title. He is an accomplished businessman in addition to being an ordained Christian minister. He even owns his own church.
His amateur career came to a close with an amazing record of 27-0. He turned professional in 1969, winning 12 fights that year with 11 of them won by knockout. He continued his quest towards claiming the undisputed heavyweight title during 1970 when he won every one of his twelve fights that year. Again, eleven of his victories were by knockout. Throughout 1971, George Foreman claimed seven more victories. By this time, he had amassed an impressive 32-0 record and was considered the number one challenger by both the WBC and the WBA. Foreman continued his string of victories adding five more victories in 1972. Each of these victories was won within three rounds.
In 1973, Foreman challenged Joe Frazier, the undisputed and undefeated world heavyweight champion, in a bout known as the Sunshine Showdown. The Sunshine Showdown was the first broadcast by HBO boxing. Foreman knocked Frazier down six times in just two rounds to claim the championship title by knockout, becoming one the biggest upsets in boxing history. Many fight fans will never forget the final blow, an uppercut that was delivered with such force that Frazier was lifted off his feet before crashing to the canvas one final time.
Foreman retained his heavyweight title until 1974 when he defended his title against Mohamed Ali, the former champion. This bout was known as “The Rumble in the Jungle” and was fought in Zaire. This was Foremans first defeat in his professional boxing career. After this defeat, Foreman remained inactive throughout 1975.
However, he made a comeback, returning to boxing in 1976. Foreman continued boxing until 1977 when he experienced what he felt was a near death experience. He became very ill in his dressing room in Puerto Rico after losing to Jimmy Young in a 12 round decision. He was frightened by this sudden illness and asked God to help him. He reported that God asked him to change the ways of his life. He became a born again Christian, dedicating his life to Christianity. He jokes that Jimmy Young literally knocked the devil out of him.
In 1976, Foreman made his comeback. He continued fighting until he experienced what he describes as a near death experience in Puerto Rico in 1977. Foreman described becoming suddenly and deathly ill in his dressing room after losing a match to Jimmy Young in a 12 round decision. He was terrified by this sudden illness, and turned to God for help. Foreman recounts that God asked him to change his ways, and Foreman became a devout, born again Christian. Foreman jokes that Jimmy Young literally knocked the devil out of him.
Foreman stopped boxing, even though he never formally retired. He became a church minister, devoting his life to the care of his family and his church members. A youth center bearing Foremans name was opened, and Foreman continues to actively testify about his conversion experience.
After ten years out of the ring, he made a second comeback. In 1988, he announced that he would return to boxing at the age of 38. He wanted to show people that age should not be considered a barrier in regards to achieving goals. During 1988, he won eight fights, although none of his challengers was a rated contender. Foreman continued with a string of victories as well as some notable defeats.
In 1994, Foreman regained the heavyweight title when he challenged Michael Moorer on November 5 in Las Vegas. With this victory he broke two records; the oldest fighter to ever win the world heavyweight title as well as breaking the record of the longest interval between championships. He continued boxing until his second retirement in 1999.
Astonishingly, Foreman regained the heavyweight title in a bout in Las Vegas with Michael Moorer in November of 1994. Foreman broke two records in achieving this victory. He became the oldest man to ever win the heavyweight title, and he broke the world record for the longest time interval between championship wins. He kept boxing until he retired for good in 1999.
George Foreman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. He was ranked as the ninth greatest fighter of all time.
He starred in his own sit-com in 1993, was a judge on a realty series, American Inventor. In July of 2008 a reality show, Family Foreman, starring George and his family premiered.
He has also published four books; all related to his life experiences. These books are sure to be interesting reading considering the interesting life George Foreman has led thus far.
Foreman has authored four books, all of which detail his life experiences. Given Foremans many notable and interesting experiences, these books are likely to provide interesting reading.
No related posts.
Comments on this entry are closed.