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George Foreman
George Foreman George Foreman is a household name with a long and storied career. He not only has the distinction of being pegged as one of the top 25 boxers of all time, he was also the oldest boxer to win a heavyweight title. A man of diverse talents, hes also an ordained Christian pastor with his own church, and an accomplished businessman in his own right. He achieved an astounding record of 27-0 in his amateur career before turning professional in 1969. In his first year as a professional boxer, he won 12 fights, 11 of which were by knockout. He continued his quest for an undisputed heavyweight title in 1970 after winning all twelve of his fights that year. Just like the prior year, 11 of those victories were by knockout. During 1971, George Foreman earned seven more victories and had attained an astonishing 32-0 record. The WBC and WBA both considered him the number one challenger. Foreman continued his winning streak with an additional five victories in 1972. All of these victories were won in three rounds. In a historic 1973 match up, Foreman fought Joe Frazier, the undisputed and undefeated heavyweight world champion. In a bout called the Sunshine Showdown, broadcast by HBO Boxing, Foreman knocked Frazier to the canvas six times in only two rounds to win the championship by knockout. This became one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. Many boxing fans will always remember that final blow " a forceful uppercut that lifted Frazier completely off his feet before crashing down for the last time. However, he made a comeback, returning to boxing in 1976. Foreman continued boxing until 1977 when he experienced what he felt was a near death experience. He became very ill in his dressing room in Puerto Rico after losing to Jimmy Young in a 12 round decision. He was frightened by this sudden illness and asked God to help him. He reported that God asked him to change the ways of his life. He became a born again Christian, dedicating his life to Christianity. He jokes that Jimmy Young literally knocked the devil out of him. Foreman returned to boxing with a comeback in 1976. He continued until 1977 when he experienced what seemed to be a near death experience. After losing to Jimmy Young in a difficult 12 round decision in Puerto Rico, he began to feel sick in his dressing room. He was terrified by this sudden illness, and asked God for help. Foreman says God asked him to change his life, prompting Foreman to become a born again Christian. After dedicating his life to Christianity, Foreman remarked that Jimmy Young quite literally beat the devil out of him. He has a large family, ten children, five boys, and five girls. He named all five of his sons George. In order of age they are George Jr., George III, George IV, George V and last but not least George VI. Foreman has a large family of ten kids, including five girls and five boys. All five of his sons are named George. They are, of course, George Jr., George III, George IV, George V, and George VI. Surprisingly, Foreman made another boxing comeback after 10 years out of the ring. At the mature age of 38, Foreman announced in 1988 that he would be returning to boxing. His aim was to show people that age did have to prevent anyone from achieving their goals. Foreman won eight fights that year, though none of his opponents were rated contenders. Foreman gained many victories, and some memorable defeats as well. Foreman went on to break two boxing records when he regained the heavyweight title after successfully challenging Michael Moorer in Las Vegas on November 5, 1994. He not only became the oldest boxer to win the world heavyweight title; he also broke the record for longest interval between championship wins. He kept boxing until his second retirement in 1999. George Foreman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. He was ranked as the ninth greatest fighter of all time. Foremans other notable business ventures include commercial appearances for Meineke Mufflers, and promoting his own George Foreman Grill. In 2004, he started marketing his brand of Big and Tall clothing through Casual Male. In 1993, he starred in his own sit-com. He was also a judge on the reality series American Inventor. In July of 2008, a reality show called Family Foreman debuted featuring George and his family. He has also published four books; all related to his life experiences. These books are sure to be interesting reading considering the interesting life George Foreman has led thus far. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Looking for sports information? Check out http://nothingbutsports.info for the lastest news. http://nothingbutsports.info/ |