Biography for
George Foreman More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

10 January 1949, Marshall, Texas, USA

Birth Name

George Edward Foreman

Nickname

Big George
The Heywood Giant

Height

6' 3½" (1.92 m)

Mini 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 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 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.

IMDb Mini Biography By: angelsunchained

Spouse

Mary Joan' Martelly'	(27 March 1985 - present) 6 children
Andrea Skeete	(28 April 1982 - 4 February 1985) (divorced) 2 children
Sharon Goodson	(15 September 1981 - 23 April 1982) (divorced)
Cynthia Lewis	(6 October 1977 - 3 August 1979) (divorced)
Adrienne Calhoun	(24 December 1971 - 13 February 1974) (divorced) 2 children

Trivia

All five of his sons are named George Edward. Two of his five daughters are also called George.

Heavyweight boxing champion

Won the heavyweight boxing title in January of 1973 by knocking out Joe Frazier. Lost the title in October of 1974 to Muhammad Ali.

Retired from boxing in 1977 after a loss to Jimmy Young, then returned to the ring in 1987.

Promotes the George Foreman Jumbo Fat Reducing Grilling Machine for shopping channel QVC.

Undefeated since his comeback in 1987, George fought undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield for the title in 1991. Big George proved he was for real at 42 by staying with Holyfield for 12 rounds and losing by decision.

Won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics.

Son George VI born on 15 August 1999 at 10:45 pm.

Daughter, Freeda George, is a professional on the US women's boxing circuit.

Inducted into World Boxing Hall of Fame. [18 October 2002]

At age 45, George regained the world heavyweight title by knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round in 1994.

Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, 2003.

Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, 1990.

Works as a priest. He was called "World's coolest priest" by the Norwegian magazine "Vi Menn".

The greatest knockout boxer of all-time with 68 of his 76 wins coming by KO.

Climbed off the canvas three times to knockout Ron Lyle in 1976.

Fought 5 heavyweight boxers in one night in Canada in 1975, knocking out 3.

Knocked out heavyweight champions Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and Michael Moorer.

Won 24 straight fights by knockout prior to fighting Muhammad Ali.

Won his first 40 fights, 37 by knockout.

Father of Georgetta Foreman, Freeda Foreman, and George Foreman III

His son, George Foreman III, is his manager.

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.

He was never knocked down during his" second career" (31-3 1987-1997) . Amazingly, in each fight. he remained standing between rounds.

Personal Quotes

"Food makes me happy." "I'm on a see-food diet. I see food, I eat it." [plugging his TV series] "And you better be watching, or I'll beat you up and eat all of your food."

On his boxing comeback, "I didn't come back for the money. I just got sick of beating people up for free."

"I called them all George because I was worried that when I was older I might suffer from memory loss. I would have called my five girls George, too, but my wife said she thought that was overkill. When one of them is naughty, I shout 'George!' and that one knows who I mean. The only time it is awkward for me is when a teacher calls up and say we have a problem with George, and I have to ask them which one."

"As a child I was sometimes so hungry that I used to dream that one day I'd get locked in a grocery store."

"I never did anything for personal gain. When I was a boxer, I wanted to be champion of the world, not the richest man in the world. If you can maintain that integrity in whatever you do, you can't go wrong. That's what I tell my kids, anyway."

Where Are They Now

(March 2006) Purchased 20% ownership interest of racing horse "Future Destiny" with New York Jet great Wayne Chrebet.

(2007) Release of his book, "God in My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir" by George with Ken Abraham.

(1995) Release of his book, "By George: The Autobiography of George Foreman" by George with Joel Engel.

(2007) Release of his book, "Going the Extra Smile".

(2008) Co-host, with Tina Malave, of an infomercial for "George Foreman's Life-Shakes".

(2008) Co-host, with Mindy McCortney and Chef Robert Rainford, of an infomercial for George Foreman's "Lean Mean Spin Frying Machine".

(1996) Release of his book, "Knock-Out-the-Fat Barbecue and Grilling Cookbook" by George with Cherie Calbom.

(2000) Release of his book, "George Foreman's Big Book of Grilling, Barbecue and Rotisserie: More than 75 Recipes for Family and Friends" by George with Barbara Witt.

(2002) Release of his book, "George Foreman's Guide to Life: How to Get Up Off the Canvas When Life Knocks You Down" by George with Linda Kulman.

(2004) Release of his book, "George Foreman's Indoor Grilling Made Easy: More Than 100 Simple, Healthy Ways to Feed Family and Friends" by George with Kathryn Kellinger.

(2005) Release of his book, "Let George Do It!" by George with Fran Manushkin.

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