George Edward “Big George” Foreman was born January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas. As a boy Foreman was interested in football and idolized Jim Brown, but gave it up for boxing. He won a gold medal in the boxing/heavyweight division at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. He then became a professional boxer where he first won the World Heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of then-undefeated Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1973. He made two successful title defenses before losing to Muhammad Ali in “The Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974. It was not until 20 years later that he regained the Heavyweight Championship by knocking out then 27-year-old Michael Moorer to become the oldest Heavyweight Champion in history.
Outside the sport he went on to become an ordained minister, initially preaching on street corners before becoming the reverend at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston where he devoted himself to his family and his congregation. He also opened a youth center that bears his name.
Foreman is also a successful author and entrepreneur and is known for his promotion of the George Foreman Grill, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide. In 1999 he sold the naming rights to the grill for $138 million. His current net worth is estimated at approximately$250 million.
I had the extreme pleasure of meeting George Foreman personally and I would say at 6’4” 260 pounds he is by far biggest kid I ever met. He carries a smile and enthusiasm that is absolutely contagious. He truly lives in the attitude of gratitude and preaches it every day.
George Foreman is a man that is definitely comfortable in his own skin as he is true to who he is. One of his learned traits is, “make a decision to be great, at whatever you do.” “I always knew in my heart that I would be heavyweight champion, and this is what inspired me to be the best in every fight I fought.” So, where ever you are or whatever you do, Keep fighting and Keep your Eye on the prize.