George Edward Foreman is an American retired professional boxer, businessman, author, and minister.
As a boxer, George Foreman enjoyed a fairly successful career in both amateur and professional boxing. He won a gold medal in the 1968 Summer Olympics’ heavyweight division before turning professional the following year. Foreman competed professionally from 1969 to 1997.
During his professional career, George Foreman is best known for winning the world heavyweight championship twice as well as an Olympic gold medal. He took a hiatus from professional boxing in 1977 but returned to the ring ten years later, aged 38 years.
In 1994, aged 45 years, Foreman won the unified World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and lineal heavyweight championship titles by beating 26-year old Michael Moorer. He permanently retired from boxing in 1997 aged 48 years old.
As a businessman, George Foreman is best known for his promotion of a grill that bears his name.
Quick Facts
| Full Name: | George Edward Foreman |
| Popular Name: | George Foreman |
| Nicknames: | Big George, The Heywood Giant, and The Punching Preache |
| Birth Date: | January 10, 1949 |
| Age: | 74 years |
| Parents: | Leroy Moorehead and Nancy Foreman |
| Siblings: | Roy Foreman (brother) |
| Birth Place: | Marshall, Texas |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | African-American |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Education: | Wheatley High School |
| Marital Status: | Married to Mary Joan Martelly (since 1985); previously married to Adrienne Calhoun (from 1971 until their divorce in 1974), Cynthia Lewis (from 1977 until their divorce in 1979), Sharon Goodson (from 1981 until their divorce in 1982), and Andrea Skeete (from 1982 until their divorce in 1985) |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Children: | Michi Foreman and George Foreman Jr. (with his first wife Adrienne Calhoun), Freeda Foreman (deceased) and George Foreman III (with his fourth wife Andrea Skeete), Natalie Foreman, Leola Foreman, George Foreman VI, George Foreman IV, and George Foreman V (with current wife Mary Joan Martelly), Georgetta Foreman (with former girlfriend known as Charlotte Gross), and Isabella Brandie Lilja and Courtney Isaac (adopted) |
| Net Worth: | USD 310 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Professional Boxing, Endorsement Deals, Writing, and Other Entrepreneurial Ventures |
| Height: | 6′ 3″ (1.91 m) |
| Weight: | In kilograms: 87 kg; In pounds: 192 lbs. |
Early Life
George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, to Leroy Moorehead and Nancy Foreman. Although George’s biological father was Leroy Moorehead, the former boxer was raised by J. D. Foreman whom his mother married when George was still a small child.
Foreman experienced a rather troubled youth. He found himself drawn to the allurements of gang life. At the age of 15, he dropped out of school and spent much of his time as a mugger.
However, Big George decided to turn over a new leaf. He convinced his mother to enroll him for the Job Corps, through which he earned his General Education Development (GED) as well as trained in carpentry and bricklaying.
Career Information
George Foreman kicked off his boxing career in 1968, as an amateur boxer. Foreman’s biggest achievement in amateur boxing was winning a gold medal in the boxing/heavyweight division during the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico City. His challenger was 10-years-old Jonas Cepulis.
In 1969, just a year after starting his boxing career, George Foreman turned professional. He went on to win a record 13 fights that year, 11 by total knockouts.
Foreman maintained his winning streak moving into the 70s. He bagged all 12 of his bouts in 1970 and won another 7 fights by knockout the following year.
However, George Foreman’s winning streak was broken when he faced legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in 1974. Foreman suffered yet another devastating defeat to Jimmy Young in 1977, after which he decided to take a break from professional boxing.
But life in retirement proved more challenging than Foreman might have envisaged. With fears of bankruptcy hanging over his shoulders, Big George made a comeback to the ring in 1987. He competed consistently until his eventual retirement from professional boxing in 1997, aged 48 years.
By the time of his retirement, Foreman’s final record included 76 wins and only 5 losses. 68 of his wins were by knockouts. 4 of his defeats were by decision and 1 by knockout.
Christianity
George Foreman became a born-again Christian after he reportedly experienced stigmata in his dressing room following his fight with Jimmy Young.
He subsequently became an ordained minister and initially preached on the streets before joining the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston as a reverend.
Writing Career
George Foreman has authored numerous books over the years. He published his first book in 1996, titled ‘George Foreman’s Knock-Out-the-Fat Barbecue and Grilling Cookbook.’ The book was co-authored with Cherie Calbom.
Other notable books that Foreman has authored include;
• George Foreman’s Big Book Of Grilling Barbecue And Rotisserie: More than 75 Recipes for Family and Friends (2000)
• The George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine Cookbook (2000, with Connie Merydith)
• By George: The Autobiography of George Foreman (2000, with Joel Engel)
• George Foreman’s Guide to Life: How to Get Up Off the Canvas When Life Knocks You (2003)
• Great Grilling Recipes! The Next Grilleration (2004)
• George Foreman’s Indoor Grilling Made Easy: More Than 100 Simple, Healthy Ways to Feed Family and Friends (2004)
• The George Foreman Next Grilleration G5 Cookbook: Inviting (2005)
• Let George Do It! (2005)
• God In My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir (2007, with Ken Abraham)
Television Career
George Foreman has also appeared in numerous television shows over the years. Foreman made his television debut in 1975 by playing Marcus Grayson in The Six Million Dollar Man. In 1992, he appeared as himself in Home Improvement.
Other television shows that Big George has graced include;
• George (ATV series) (1993, as himself)
• King of the Hill (2003, as a voice actor)
• Fast N’ Loud (2013, as himself)
George Foreman’s Net Worth
George Foreman’s net worth is a staggering $310 million as of July 1, 2021.
Despite his impressive boxing record, it’s interesting to note that boxing accounts for a small portion of Foreman’s wealth. In the 80s, after nearly 20 years of professional boxing, Big George had a relatively small net worth of $5 million.
However, Foreman’s fortunes changed following his endorsement and subsequent promotion of George Foreman Grill.
Founded in 1994, George Foreman Grill was born out of a partnership with Salton, Inc. As of 2009, the grill has sold over 100 million units worldwide. Foreman has raked in millions from this venture, including the $138 million lump-sum payment he received in 1999 after Salton paid him to use the commercial rights to his name.
Prior to the $138 million windfall amount, Foreman was reportedly earning 40% of profits for each grill sold. On a good month, Big George could make as much as $4.5 million from the George Foreman Grill venture alone.
Writing and appearance fees are other potential income earners for George Foreman.
Lessons from George Foreman
1. When you’re facing financial difficulties, turn to your best talents
By around 1987, ten years after his initial retirement, George Foreman had lost the bulk of his $5 million fortune from boxing to bad investment decisions and a lavish lifestyle. Staring at bankruptcy in the face, Foreman decided to return to the ring.
2. Always prioritize your health
Foreman came out of retirement in 1987 and immediately began winning crucial fights. He attributed his excellent performance in the ring to healthy dieting.
3. Treat your kids equally
George Foreman has claimed that he named all his sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common.
Famous Quotes by George Foreman
• A hero is someone right who doesn’t change.
• Boxing is like jazz. The better it is, the less people appreciate it.
• Evil lurks where disappointment lodges.
• Money is a good thing, but every morning you have to get up with something no one else in the world gets up with – that’s that image. That face you see in the mirror, you got to love it, and you better do some things that you feel good about inside of you. Of course, money is going to come, but make certain that you do some good with it.
• The greatest asset, even in this country, is not oil and gas. It’s integrity. Everyone is searching for it, asking, ‘Who can I do business with that I can trust?’
Conclusion
George Foreman is a boxing legend who ruled the ring during his heydays from1969 to 1997. Although he retired more than two decades ago, Foreman remains an inspiration to aspiring boxers worldwide. He has amassed a net worth of $310 million as of July 1, 2021.
