"Big George: The Legendary Boxing Career of George Foreman"
Big George Foreman
George Edward Foreman (born January 10, 1949) is an American former professional boxer, entrepreneur, minister, and author. In boxing, he competed between 1967 and 1997 and was nicknamed "Big George". He is a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist.
Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, and grew up in Houston. He dropped out of high school at age 15 and joined the Job Corps, where he began boxing. He won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Foreman turned professional in 1969 and quickly rose through the ranks. He won the WBA and WBC heavyweight titles in 1973 by defeating Ken Norton and Joe Frazier, respectively. He was a fearsome puncher with a devastating knockout ability.
Foreman lost his titles to Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974. He was knocked out in the eighth round.
After the loss to Ali, Foreman retired from boxing. He became a born-again Christian and began working as a minister. He also started a successful business career, selling a line of George Foreman grills.
Foreman returned to boxing in 1987 at the age of 38. He won the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles in 1994 by defeating Michael Moorer. He became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 45.
Foreman retired from boxing for good in 1997. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Foreman is a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of George Foreman Enterprises, which markets a variety of products, including the George Foreman grill. He is also the founder of the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston.
Foreman is a popular figure and has been featured in numerous commercials and television shows. He is also the author of several books, including his autobiography, "By George."
Early life
Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949. He was the youngest of seven children. His father, Leroy, was a minister, and his mother, Nancy, was a homemaker.
Foreman's family moved to Houston when he was young. He attended Houston's Fifth Ward High School, but dropped out at age 15. He joined the Job Corps, where he began boxing.
Amateur boxing career
Professional boxing career
Foreman turned professional in 1969. He won his first 20 fights by knockout. He won the WBA and WBC heavyweight titles in 1973 by defeating Ken Norton and Joe Frazier, respectively.
Foreman was a fearsome puncher with a devastating knockout ability. He was known for his aggressive fighting style. He was one of the most popular boxers in the world during the early 1970s.
Loss to Muhammad Ali
Foreman lost his titles to Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974. He was knocked out in the eighth round.
The fight was held in Kinshasa, Zaire. It was one of the most anticipated fights in history. Ali was a 3-1 underdog.
Foreman came out strong, landing several hard punches. Ali was able to weather the storm and began to land punches of his own. In the eighth round, Ali landed a combination that knocked Foreman down. Foreman got back to his feet, but Ali knocked him down again. The referee stopped the fight.
Retirement and comeback
After the loss to Ali, Foreman retired from boxing. He became a born-again Christian and began working as a minister. He also started a successful business career, selling a line of George Foreman grills.
Foreman returned to boxing in 1987 at the age of 38. He won the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles in 1994 by defeating Michael Moorer. He became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 45.
Retirement and legacy
Foreman retired from boxing for good in 1997. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Foreman is a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of George Foreman Enterprises, which markets a variety of products, including the George Foreman grill. He is also the founder of the George Foreman Youth and Community Center
