George Foreman: From a troubled childhood to boxing hall of fame

• Nicknamed “Big George”, George Foreman was one of the best boxers during his days
• He is known for his epic fights against legendary boxers like Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton and Joe Fraizer
• The 74-year-old is now an author, minister as well as an entrepreneur known for the George Foreman Grill

Former professional boxer George Foreman has one of the most inspiring stories you’ll ever hear in the sporting world.

Nicknamed “Big George”, Foreman was one of the best boxers during his days. He competed between 1967 and 1997 and boasts a pro boxing record of 76 wins and five losses. Big George is a two-time world heavyweight champion and and an Olympic gold medalist.

George Foreman during his boxing days. Photo/ Ring Magazine.

He is known for his epic fights against legendary boxers like Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton and Joe Fraizer.

George Foreman was the oldest heavyweight boxing champion at 46 years and 169 days old. By the time he retired in 1997, George Foreman’s achievements were enough for him to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

The Ring ranked George Foreman as the ninth-greatest puncher of all time and The International Boxing Research Organization rates him as the eight-greatest heavyweight boxer in history.

But George Foreman’s life was not an easy one before his boxing career began. He started off as a mugger who engaged in street fights before becoming a renowned boxer. The 74-year-old is now an author, minister as well as an entrepreneur known for the George Foreman Grill.

Troubles Childhood 

George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, U.S. He grew up in Houston alongside his six siblings. The future boxing star was raised by J.D. Foreman, the man his mother married after parting ways with George’s real father, Leroy Moorehead.

George’s stepfather was a drunkard who spent all his money on alcohol. As a result, the family of eight depended on his mother’s salary to survive. George got into trouble with the law multiple times during his teenage years. He dropped out of school at the age of 15 and began robbing people.

He also found himself involved in gang clashes and street fights. The future boxing star later changed his ways and joined Job Corps, where he learnt about carpentry and bricklaying.

George Foreman moved to California and began training to be a boxer with the help of a supervisor.

Career 

George Foreman won a gold medal for the United States in 1968 at the Summer Olympics in Mexico. His opponent in the final was Jonas Cepulis, a veteran who was ten years older than him. Foreman landed hard punches on Cepulis’ face from the first round. The referee had to stop the fight early in the second round because Cepulis could not continue.

Foreman turned professional in 1969, and fought 13 times that year. He won all of them (11 KOs). He continued recording victories the following year.

In 1973, George Foreman defeated legendary boxer Joe Fraizer in an epic bout, which lasted for two rounds. The following year, he stopped heavyweight boxer Ken Norton by the second round. Ken was a notorious boxer who used awkward techniques in the ring and was famous for breaking Muhammad Ali’s jaw.

George Foreman suffered his first defeat in the summer of 1974 while fighting Muhammad Ali in Congo. The fight lasted eight rounds and both boxers were already tired by the time Ali landed his final blow on George’s head and jaw.

George’s next fight was in January 1976, against Ron Lyle. He defeated Ron and went on to record victories in four fights before losing to Jimmy Young. After the fight with Jimmy, George became ill and claimed to have suffered a near death experience.

It was during that moment that George decided to dedicate his life to Christianity and stop fighting. He became an ordained minister and kept himself from boxing for ten years.

George made a comeback in March 1987, defeating Steve Zouski. He went undefeated in 24 fights before losing to Evander Holyfield on April 19, 1991. He won his next three fights and then suffered defeat against Tommy Morrison. His last fight was against Shannon Briggs on November 22, 1997. He lost the fight.

Former boxer George Foreman is now a minister. Photo/ Jason Hanold.