High-Octane Boxing Journey: The Temperamental Pugilist George Foreman, Known for Devastating Knockouts
Bashing Heavyweights: The Thrilling Boxing Life of the KO Maverick, George Foreman
RIP to the Boxing icon: The legendary heavyweight champion, George Foreman, has bid adieu at the tender age of 76.
In 1974, George Foreman unleashed a flurry of punishing hooks upon a makeshift punching bag lined with journalists and photographers, evoking fear and awe. With his menacing demeanor, the hard-hitting American battered the bag into a dented mess in mere minutes, leaving everyone wondering what those fists would do to none other than the beloved Muhammad Ali.
Now, George Foreman is no more. The boxing legend breathed his last on a peaceful Friday surround by loved ones, as his family declared. His family fondly remembered him as a "humanitarian," an "Olympic competitor," and a "two-time heavyweight champion." In their hearts, he was a "force for good" and a "man of discipline and conviction." Even the formidable Mike Tyson paid his respects, commemorating Foreman's contribution to boxing and beyond.
During his heyday, George Foreman cut an intimidating figure. Raised in Texas, he walked the path of violence before becoming a prized fighter, his oppressive demeanor suggesting a penchant for inflicting pain.
Sports legends: Schmeling, Ali, Tyson, Klitschko – The Ten Greatest Boxing Matches in HistoryJoe Frazier experienced Foreman's power in Jamaica in 1973, when the colossal 1.93-meter heavyweight chucked Frazier to the mat six times within just two rounds. Facing Foreman's relentless force, "Smokin' Joe" seemed like a steam train without fuel. Foreman was now hailed as the "Baddest Man on the Planet." Even his demolition of Ken Norton, the man who had bested Ali, lasted merely two rounds. Fortunately, Frazier and Norton managed to escape the brutal resolution of a late knockout. Experts agreed that Ali was likely to face a far worse fate in the infamous "Rumble of the Jungle."
Rumble of the Jungle: A Twist of Fate
But fate had other plans: Foreman's powerful blows indeed rattled the ropes, striking the seemingly defenceless Ali like a punching bag. Yet, this was all part of Ali's ingenious "rope-a-dope" strategy. The KO monster was meant to exhaust himself, as Ali artfully deceived Foreman. "I hit him hard and he whispered in my ear: 'Is that all you've got, George?' That's when I knew I was in real trouble," Foreman confessed years later, when they had become close friends.
Foreman swung his hooks with ferocity in the sweltering Congo heat for eight rounds, his mighty arms growing increasingly heavy and the air growing thin. Just when he was about to collapse, "The Greatest" struck with a devastating combination of a left hook and a straight right, sending Foreman crashing to the canvas. Foreman failed to answer the count, losing his title and his invincible image.
Houston, we have a preacher
After the devastating loss in Africa, Foreman plunged into a profound depression and spiraled into self-doubt. Although he engaged in a brutal five-round brawl with Ron Lyle in 1976, which Foreman won, he collapsed in his locker room after a shocking defeat against Jimmy Young the following year, succumbing to heat exhaustion. Foreman claimed that the collapse was a "divine awakening" and at the age of 27, "Big George" formally retired from boxing and turned to the Bible. Foreman found solace as a pastor of the "Church of the Lord Jesus Christ" in his hometown of Houston. The once feared heavyweight slugger transformed into a gentle, cheerful, beloved leader.
Aftershocks and Controversy
For a decade, Foreman's pulpit was his role as a preacher, with his sermons serving as his weapon. However, funds for himself and his congregation began to dwindle, leading the reverend to consider a return to boxing. Despite knocking out his initial opponents with ease, few took him seriously. It wasn't until Foreman knocked out former world title challenger Gerry Cooney with a hook reminiscent of the '70s in 1990 that the old timer was back in business.
A fight against Mike Tyson never materialized, as "Iron Mike" found himself locked up behind bars. Instead, Foreman stepped into the ring in April 1991 in Atlantic City against world champion Evander Holyfield. The "Battle of the Ages" was orchestrated by none other than Donald J. Trump, with the generational duel unfolding into a true brawl. Foreman ultimately lost on points, but his performance against a 14-years younger opponent was more impressive than anyone could have expected. Time and time again, the elderly boxing champion shook Holyfield like a martini. Years later, Holyfield reported, "George hit me once, and my feet froze to the ground. I went back to my corner and asked if he had knocked out all my teeth. They said, 'No, no, you're okay,' but I think they just didn't want me to give up. In the next round, I could only hold on."
Despite not impressing much after the spectacle in Atlantic City, Foreman earned another title shot three years later. Against Michael Moorer—the man who sensationally dethroned Holyfield—few gave the "Old Man" a chance. Larry Merchant, boxing expert for HBO, described Foreman's chances as "a gazillion to one." Yet, anyone watching the Las Vegas fight today is still amazed: For nine rounds, the young southpaw danced around his aging opponent, peppering Foreman with left straights and right uppercuts. Foreman endured the punishment stoically until he landed a devastating right hook on Moorer's jaw, knocking him out. HBO commentator Jim Lampley exclaimed, "It happened, it happened!" At 45, Foreman crowned himself the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a title he held for 20 years after his humiliation against Ali.
Mike Foreman persevered for a few more years, sometimes thriving and sometimes struggling. In 1995, he defended his title against Germany's beloved boxer, Axel Schulz, in a highly debated points decision. He retired permanently from the ring two years later, after being robbed of the title by Shannon Briggs in a controversial decision. Outside of the ring, Foreman found success through his Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine, a business venture that netted him around 150 million dollars. Foreman's entrepreneurial spirit even extended to Germany, where he participated in a TV ad that promoted his product by cooking a chunk of German mettwurst on a foldable grill with Stefan Raab's son. The "TV-Total" audience cheered as the fat dripped out of the meat. Foreman certainly needed the grill millions. The legendary boxer had 11 children, with all five of his sons sharing the same first name: George. "Big George" was one of a kind.
This article appeared in a slightly modified form on January 10, 2024, to mark Foreman's 75th birthday.
Source: ntv.de
- Boxing
- Mike Tyson
- Muhammad Ali
Enrichment Data:
George Foreman had an illustrious boxing career, defined by significant victories, controversial losses, and a memorable comeback. Here are the key events, moments, and accomplishments that set the stage for his professional journey, with a focus on the 'Rumble in the Jungle' and his notable comeback fights:
Key Events and Accomplishments
Early Career
- Amateur Career: Foreman began boxing as an amateur, winning several regional titles before representing the United States at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics[1].
- Professional Debut: Foreman made a successful professional debut in October 1969, knocking out Gene Chaplin in just two rounds[2].
Mid-Career and 'Rumble in the Jungle'
- 'Rumble in the Jungle': One of Foreman's most famous fights was against Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974. Foreman dominated early but Ali snatched victory in the eighth round, marring Foreman's undefeated record[3].
Comeback
- Comeback Fights: Foreman returned to boxing in 1987 at age 38, beginning a successful comeback marred by 20 consecutive wins, including 19 knockouts[2][3].
- Notable Comeback Fights:
- George Foreman vs. Gerry Cooney: Foreman defeated Cooney in the second round, showcasing his strength and power[2].
- George Foreman vs. Pierre Coetzer: Foreman won via TKO in the eighth round, demonstrating his continued resilience[1].
- Age 46 vs. Michael Moorer: Foreman's most notable comeback achievement was defeating Michael Moorer at age 46 to reclaim a version of the heavyweight title. This monumental match made Foreman the oldest heavyweight champion at that time[3].
Later Career and Retirement
- Final Fights: Foreman continued fighting until his late 40s, eventually retiring after a loss to Shannon Briggs in 1997[3].
George Foreman's career was marked by exceptional triumphs, resilient spirit, and a legendary comeback. His life stood as a testament to his grit and unwavering determination, as he transformed from an invincible boxing champion to a successful entrepreneur in his golden years.
In 1974, the year George Foreman was widely renowned as the "Baddest Man on the Planet", he might not have been a fan favorite, as he was known to unleash a flurry of punishing hooks with a menacing demeanor. Years later, after Foreman's memorable comeback and defeating Michael Moorer at the age of 46, some might have changed their initial opinions, but in 1974, his contemporaries on the pulpit, like Muhammad Ali, garnered more esteem and admiration. The true test of respect, however, came not from sporting accolades but from the sentiments of the fans who watched him evolve, transforming from a formidable boxer to a beloved preacher.
