George Foreman's Main TV Roles Show Character(s) Family Foreman George Fore… George George Foster

Main Movie Roles 2009 - Facing Ali 2009 - Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian 2008 - Tyson 1996 - When We Were Kings 1975 - Let's Do It Again

BIOGRAPHY:

George Foreman was boxing's most feared fighter from 1973-1974. Undefeated in 40 straight fights, 37 by knockout, he was on a 24 consecutive knockout run when he faced Muhammad Ali (I) on October 30, 1974 in defense of his world heavyweight title in Zaire, Africa. A product of a poor family, Foreman was in constant trouble with the law. He credits the Job Corp with turning his life around. Started boxing as an amateur and, in less than three years, captured a gold medal in the 1968 Olympic Games. Lost only 2 out of 24 amateur fights. Turned pro under the guidance of veteran trainer Dick Saddler. Foreman was a stablemate of former heavyweight king Charles "Sonny" Liston and Charlie Snips. Foreman idolized Liston and copied his ring style and mannerisms. Foreman used a piercing stare to intimated his opponents ala Liston. He was criticized for beating second rate opponents, yet had scored victories over credible fighters like George Chuvallo, Boone Kirkman and Gregorio Peralta. Destroyed undefeated Joe Frazier in two brutal rounds to capture the world title in 1973; Frazier was knocked down six times. Destroyed Jose "King" Roman in one round and Ken Norton in two rounds to retain his title. Foreman was knocked out by 3-1 underdog Muhammad Ali (I) in 8 rounds. Foreman fought 5 men in one night in a 1975 exhibition. Won five straight knockouts on the comeback trail before being decked and decision-ed by Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977. Foreman claimed to have seen God in his dressing room following the defeat and announced he was going to become a preacher and retire from boxing. Preached for 10 years and blew up to 300 pounds. Decided to return to the ring to raise money for his church; experts laughed, but Foreman racked up 18 straight knockout victories. He was defeated in a title bid by Evander Holyfield but, a few years later, shocked the world by knocking out undefeated World Heavyweight Champion Michael Moorer (36-0) to become champion again at 45. Made a few successful defenses before losing his title by a controversial decision to Shannon Briggs.


TRIVIA:

• All five of his sons are named George Edward. Two of his five daughters are also called George.
• Works as a priest. He was called "World's coolest priest" by the Norwegian magazine "Vi Menn".
• Fought 5 heavyweight boxers in one night in Canada in 1975, knocking out 3.
• He knocked out Joe Frazier (1973) and Ken Norton (1974) in the second round. He KO'd Frazier again in the 5th in a later meeting.
• Promotes the George Foreman Jumbo Fat Reducing Grilling Machine for shopping channel QVC.
• Won the heavyweight boxing title in January of 1973 by knocking out 'Joe Frazier' (qv). Lost the title in October of 1974 to 'Muhammad Ali (I)' (qv).
• Heavyweight boxing champion
• Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, 2003.