George Edward Foreman, born on January 10, 1949, is an American former professional boxer, entrepreneur, minister, and author. His remarkable career spans over 28 years in boxing, with notable achievements including being a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist. Here is a timeline of his significant life events and milestones.
Main Milestones
Birth
January 10, 1949
George Edward Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, and later raised in Houston's Fifth Ward.
Begins Boxing
1965
Foreman entered the Job Corps and began his boxing career, which would eventually lead him to professional success.
Olympic Gold Medal
October 1968
Foreman won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico.
Professional Debut
June 23, 1969
Foreman made his professional boxing debut against Don Waldhelm, winning with a third-round knockout.
First World Heavyweight Championship
January 22, 1973
Foreman captured the heavyweight crown with an impressive two-round knockout of Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica.
Loss to Muhammad Ali
October 30, 1974
Foreman lost the heavyweight title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa, Zaire.
First Retirement
1977
After losing to Jimmy Young, Foreman retired from boxing and became a born-again Christian, opening a church and the George Foreman Youth Center in Houston.
Comeback
1987
Foreman returned to professional boxing at the age of 38, starting a new chapter in his career to fund his youth center.
Second World Heavyweight Championship
November 5, 1994
Foreman became a unified heavyweight world champion by defeating Michael Moorer via a tenth-round knockout, becoming the oldest world heavyweight champion in history at 45 years old.
Final Retirement
November 22, 1997
Foreman retired from professional boxing for the second time, ending his career with a record of 76 wins and 5 losses.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Post-1997
Foreman became a successful entrepreneur, most notably promoting the George Foreman Grill, which became a household name.
