How boxing legend George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion ever after growing up in poverty

George Foreman: From ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ to Grill King, a Boxing Legend’s Tale

George Foreman, the oldest world heavyweight champion in history, cemented his status as a true boxing legend by reclaiming the title at the age of 45, two decades after his initial reign.

His enduring career and remarkable ability to reinvent himself mean different generations remember George Foreman for diverse reasons.

Foreman’s public image evolved significantly — from a fearsome boxer known for devastating punches and a detached demeanor to a genial, family-oriented figure who became synonymous with his famous TV grill.

Early Career and Olympic Glory

Foreman first burst onto the global scene as a 19-year-old boxing prodigy. Representing the United States at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, he secured the heavyweight gold medal in the ‘Cold War Clash’ against Jonas Cepulis of the Soviet Union, proudly waving the American flag in victory.

However, just two years prior, Foreman’s life trajectory appeared drastically different. He experienced a pivotal moment of realization that altered his path.

“Only less than two years prior to that date that I’d stood on that platform receiving gold and listening to the national anthem, I was under a house, hiding from the police,” Foreman recounted.

From Troubled Youth to Olympic Champion

Born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, Foreman’s formative years were spent in a high-crime Houston neighborhood, amidst gangs. Abandoned by his father, George and his six siblings were raised by his mother and her partner, JD Foreman. With his mother often working long hours, Foreman became involved in juvenile delinquency and dropped out of school at 15.

Following his transformative epiphany, Foreman left his disadvantaged hometown and joined the Job Corps in Oregon, a vocational training program for low-income youth initiated by President Lyndon Johnson as part of his ‘War on Poverty’.

It was during his time with the Job Corps in Grants Pass, Oregon, that Foreman discovered boxing, embarking on an accelerated journey that led to Olympic gold within just two years.

“When you hear me say ‘Grants Pass, Oregon, it was like the beginning of me,’” Foreman explained, emphasizing the location’s significance.

Foreman asserted that without the Job Corps, his life would have taken a tragic turn: “I would have been dead in three years.”

Patriotism and Pro Boxing

His gratitude for the opportunity fostered a deep-seated patriotism and appreciation for his American identity. In the same 1968 Olympics where Tommy Smith and John Carlos made their iconic black power salute, Foreman chose to prominently display the American flag.

“It was about identity, an American – that’s who I was,” Foreman stated.

“I was waving the flag as much for myself as for the country. I was letting everyone know who I was and at the same time saying that I was proud to be an American.”

Foreman quickly established himself as a formidable puncher in professional boxing, rapidly climbing the ranks after his Olympic triumph. He amassed an undefeated record of 32 wins from 1969 to 1971, with 29 knockouts, earning him the number one contender spot and a shot at the heavyweight title against the undefeated Joe Frazier.

Heavyweight Champion and ‘Rumble in the Jungle’

In the ‘Sunshine Showdown’ held in Jamaica, despite being the underdog against Frazier, Foreman’s superior power proved decisive. Broadcaster Howard Cosell’s famous commentary, “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” underscored Foreman’s dominance, as the fight was stopped in the second round.

However, as champion, Foreman’s public persona was perceived as aloof and unfriendly, contrasting sharply with the charm of his predecessor, Muhammad Ali. Foreman later acknowledged he consciously modeled his behavior after Sonny Liston’s intimidating character. This portrayal was even depicted in the 2001 ‘Ali’ biopic, where actor Charles Shufford played Foreman as a stern and unyielding fighter, opposite Will Smith’s charismatic Ali.

Foreman defended his title twice before facing Ali in the legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in 1974, a fight that redefined his career.

Defeat and Religious Conversion

Ali employed his now-famous ‘rope-a-dope’ strategy, absorbing Foreman’s attacks while conserving energy, allowing Foreman to exhaust himself. In the eighth round, Ali capitalized on Foreman’s fatigue and secured a knockout victory.

Foreman initiated the first of several comebacks the following year and avenged his loss to Frazier with a fifth-round knockout in their rematch.

But a 1977 defeat to Jimmy Young triggered a profound spiritual transformation. In the aftermath of the fight, Foreman experienced a near-death episode in his dressing room. He turned to religion and emerged as a born-again Christian.

This spiritual awakening prompted Foreman to reform his personal life. He had fathered ten children from multiple relationships and married five times, notably naming all five of his sons George Jr., George III, George IV, George V, and George VI. He also has daughters named Georgetta, Natalia, Leola, Michi, and Freeda (now deceased), and adopted two daughters, Brandie Lilja and Courtney Isaac, in 2012.

Embracing his newfound faith, Foreman became an ordained minister in Houston, dedicating himself to preaching and establishing a youth center.

The Unlikely Comeback and Grill Empire

Foreman surprised many by returning to professional boxing a decade later, initially to support his charitable endeavors.

The media often ridiculed his physical condition, as he was visibly overweight for his initial comeback fights. However, he gradually shed weight as he continued fighting.

Despite his diminished agility in the ring, Foreman retained his formidable punching power. A remarkable streak of 24 consecutive victories culminated in him reclaiming a portion of the heavyweight title (IBF and WBA) at the age of 45.

Oldest Heavyweight Champion and Endorsements

Foreman achieved boxing history by defeating Michael Moorer, who was 19 years younger, to become the oldest heavyweight champion ever. The unexpected victory showcased his extraordinary resilience and stunned the boxing community. Visibly moved by the outcome, Foreman knelt in prayer in his corner, symbolizing his personal transformation.

Although he eventually lost the title at 48 to Shannon Briggs, Foreman proved his comeback was valid and inspired many by demonstrating that age is no barrier to achievement.

This period also marked a shift in Foreman’s public image. He transitioned to a media-friendly personality, embracing endorsements. His once-intimidating persona was replaced by that of a jovial and approachable figure, exemplified by his television appearances and his highly successful endorsement of the George Foreman Grill. He co-designed this fat-reducing grill, which generated over $200 million in earnings.

Legacy and Later Life

Recognizing his significant contributions to the sport, Foreman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.

He remained engaged with boxing as a commentator and delivered a heartfelt tribute to Muhammad Ali upon his former rival’s passing.

George Foreman is survived by his 12 children and his fifth wife, Mary Joan Martelly.