George Foreman(1949-2025)
- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
George Foreman was boxing's most feared fighter from 1973-1974.
Undefeated in 40 straight fights, 37 by knockout, he was on a 24
consecutive knockout run when he faced
Muhammad Ali on October 30, 1974 in
defense of his world heavyweight title in Zaire, Africa. A product of a
poor family, Foreman was in constant trouble with the law. He credits
the Job Corp with turning his life around. Started boxing as an amateur
and, in less than three years, captured a gold medal in the 1968
Olympic Games. Lost only 2 out of 24 amateur fights. Turned pro under
the guidance of veteran trainer Dick Saddler. Foreman was a stablemate
of former heavyweight king Charles "Sonny" Liston and Charlie Snips.
Foreman idolized Liston and copied his ring style and mannerisms.
Foreman used a piercing stare to intimated his opponents ala Liston. He
was criticized for beating second rate opponents, yet had scored
victories over credible fighters like George Chuvallo, Boone Kirkman
and Gregorio Peralta. Destroyed undefeated
Joe Frazier in two brutal rounds to capture
the world title in 1973; Frazier was knocked down six times. Destroyed
Jose "King" Roman in one round and Ken Norton
in two rounds to retain his title. Foreman was knocked out by 3-1
underdog Muhammad Ali in 8 rounds.
Foreman fought 5 men in one night in a 1975 exhibition. Won five
straight knockouts on the comeback trail before being decked and
decision-ed by Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977. Foreman claimed to
have seen God in his dressing room following the defeat and announced
he was going to become a preacher and retire from boxing. Preached for
10 years and blew up to 300 pounds. Decided to return to the ring to
raise money for his church; experts laughed, but Foreman racked up 18
straight knockout victories. He was defeated in a title bid by
Evander Holyfield but, a few years
later, shocked the world by knocking out undefeated World Heavyweight
Champion Michael Moorer (36-0) to become
champion again at 45. Made a few successful defenses before losing his
title by a controversial decision to
Shannon Briggs.
