George Foreman: The Man Who Defied Time And Defeated The Odds

George Foreman is an American former professional boxer, the 76-year old competed for 30 years between 1967 to 1997. During his younger days, he was nicknamed Big George, when he was a fighter, George was able to achieve the heavyweight championship twice and an Olympic gold medalist. In 1974 when he was 25-years old, he was unbeaten heavyweight champion of the world until he locked horns with the famous Muhammed Ali in legendary ‘Rumble in the jungle’ and lost his title in the 8^th round.

Nearly 20 years later in November 1994, he wore the same red shorts at the age of 45 years and reclaimed the title he lost. He knocked out his opponent Michael Moorer and he won back the heavyweight world championship title.

“Can you believe 50 years ago, the ‘Rumble in the jungle’ fighting Muhammad Ali. Looking back at the best time of my life-celebrate with me with a slice of cake, as I relive the ‘Rope-a-Dope’,” said George on X as he enjoyed a chocolate cake. His followers didn’t hesitate to engage with him in the comment section, “Hi Big George, did you ever get into trash talking during your fighting career or get upset about it?” an X user asked. “I never did trash talking, nor was I ever upset with anyone who did so,” said George. “Dear MR Foreman, I’ve always found your life story very interesting. Today I watched Big George Foreman on Netflix and had tears in my eyes. You are an inspiration sir. God bless you! Regards from India,” concluded another X user.

Currently, George Foreman is an entrepreneur, minister and author, his troubled childhood made him take up amateur boxing in the 1960s. In 1968 Summer Olympics he won a gold medal in the heavyweight division. In just an-year he turned professional in 1969, he won the world heavyweight title with a stunning second-round knockout to his opponent Joe Frazier in 1973. His next bout against Muhammad Ali took place in Kinshasa, Zaire. The historic bout was being promoted as ‘Rumble in the jungle’ exceeded its wildest expectations. During training in mid-September, Foreman suffered a cut above his eye forcing the bout to be pushed forward a month ahead. On the other-hand Ali used his time to tour Zaire. When they finally met in the ring, Ali was aggressive to Foreman and he eventually outscored him with superior punching speed and that’s how Foreman lost his title to Ali.

George decided to take a whole decade away from the ring and returned back in 1987, he announced the comeback at the age of 38-years but his motive was to raise funds for a youth center he had started. He had used his earnings from the previous fights to fund the center. Among the potential opponents he eyed on was Mike Tyson, even though many thought that going back to the ring was a mistake, he proofed to them that age isn’t a barrier to people achieving their goals. He achieved four wins that year, the next year 1988 he won nine bouts more. His last and final bout was in November 22 1997, he lost the fight and hanged his boxing gloves. In his entire boxing-career he had a total of 81 fights, 76 wins 68 of them by knockout, 8 by decision and 5 losses, 1 by knockout the other 4 by decision. He remains to be a respected figure in the society.