Sofia Ferreira Santos
BBC News
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Foreman trades punches with Muhammad Ali in the famous Rumble in the Battle of the Jungle
Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman passed away at the age of 76, his family said.
The American, known as the Big George of the Ring, competed for decades in the 1960s, winning gold in numerous title belts, including the Olympics and world heavyweight titles.
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Born on January 10, 1949 in Marshall, Texas, George Edward Foreman, his amateur boxing career peaked at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where he won a gold medal and waving the famous US flag after his victory.
In his autobiography, he said he was waving a flag “for himself, just like the country.”
“I told everyone who I was and at the same time I was proud to be American.”
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After becoming an expert in 1969, he quickly rose to the ranks. By 1972 he had achieved a 37-fight winning streak. Of those, 35 were knocked out. His first shot at the World Heavyweight Championship came in 1973 when he knocked out then undefeated world champion Joe Frasier.
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Foreman won the title at the age of 24 and managed to defend twice.
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Foreman then lost his heavyweight title to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 Rumble, famous for the Battle of the Jungle. To wear Foreman, Ali spent eight rounds leaning against the rope.
He once called the “most embarrassing moment” of his life and defeat.
“I couldn’t believe I lost the world title,” he said.
His opponent, Foreman, said, “I was the toughest person I’ve ever met.”
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A major change occurred in 1977. Shortly after losing his battle with American boxer Jimmy Young, Foreman gave up on boxing, turned to religion and became the appointed pastor in 1978.
He told the BBC that his defeat to Ali ultimately led him to “put my message out” through his sermon, making it “the best thing that has happened to me.”
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After nearly a decade away from boxing, Foreman decided to choose gloves in 1987 to return to the ring to raise funds for the Youth Center. During his successful return to the sport, he won 24 games after losing Holyfield to Evanderfield after 12 rounds in 1991.
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In 1994 he took a jab with a new venture and became the face of George Foreman Grill – also known as the “Lean Average Grill Machine.” In boxing rings, he also became the oldest heavyweight champion at 45 years old in the same year. He retired from boxing three years later in 1997, accumulating a stunning record of 76 wins and five losses.
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Foreman had 12 children – all five sons named George. He is depicted here with his son George III. He once named him after himself, so they explained that “they will always have something in common.” He continued his work in church until his death, preaching four times a week in his ministries, according to his website.
