Births on January 10

George Foreman, American boxer, actor, and businessman

Who is George Foreman? A Multifaceted American Icon

George Edward Foreman, born on January 10, 1949, is a truly multifaceted American personality renowned for his extraordinary achievements across various fields. Best known as "Big George" during his illustrious professional boxing career, which spanned an remarkable three decades from 1967 to 1997, he secured his place in history as a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist. Beyond his formidable presence in the boxing ring, Foreman has carved out significant success as an astute entrepreneur, a respected ordained Christian minister, and a bestselling author. His entrepreneurial endeavors are most famously associated with the ubiquitous George Foreman Grill, a product that transformed home cooking appliances globally.

From Troubled Youth to Olympic Gold

George Foreman’s journey began in Houston, Texas, where he navigated a challenging and often troubled childhood. Seeking a path away from delinquency, he found discipline and purpose through the Job Corps program, which introduced him to amateur boxing. This pivotal turn led him to represent the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. There, showcasing immense power and promise, Foreman captured the gold medal in the heavyweight division, defeating Jonas Čepulis of the Soviet Union in the final. This Olympic triumph signaled his formidable arrival on the international boxing stage.

Professional Ascent and Dominant First Reign

Following his Olympic glory, Foreman wasted no time turning professional in 1969. His ascent through the heavyweight ranks was rapid and devastating, marked by a string of knockout victories. On January 22, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, he challenged the then-undefeated and widely recognized world heavyweight champion, Joe Frazier. In a breathtaking display of raw power, Foreman delivered a stunning second-round knockout, famously knocking Frazier down six times, to claim the world heavyweight title. He successfully defended his newly acquired championship twice: first against José Roman in September 1973, whom he dispatched in just 50 seconds, and then against the formidable Ken Norton in March 1974, securing another quick knockout victory that established him as the dominant force in the division.

The Iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" and First Retirement

Foreman's reign, though dominant, was dramatically interrupted by what would become one of boxing's most legendary fights: "The Rumble in the Jungle." On October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Foreman faced the charismatic former champion Muhammad Ali. Despite being the younger, stronger, and favored champion, Foreman suffered his first professional loss via an eighth-round knockout. This defeat was largely attributed to Ali’s ingenious "rope-a-dope" strategy, which allowed Foreman to exhaust himself by punching against the ropes. After this monumental loss, Foreman struggled to regain his previous momentum or secure another immediate world title opportunity. Following a subsequent loss to Jimmy Young in March 1977, Foreman announced his retirement from boxing, seemingly concluding a remarkable yet comparatively short first career.

A Spiritual Transformation and Unprecedented Comeback

After his 1977 loss to Jimmy Young, George Foreman experienced a profound religious epiphany in his dressing room, an event he has frequently described as life-changing. This spiritual awakening led him to dedicate his life to Christianity, subsequently becoming an ordained Christian minister. For a decade, he focused on his ministry and community work, establishing a youth center and inspiring many, seemingly leaving his boxing career behind entirely.

However, in 1987, at the age of 38 and after a ten-year hiatus, Foreman astonished the sports world by announcing an improbable comeback. Many pundits were skeptical, given his age and time away, but Foreman methodically worked his way back through the heavyweight ranks. His incredible journey culminated on November 5, 1994, when at 45 years old (specifically, 45 years and 299 days), he challenged the much younger and formidable 26-year-old Michael Moorer for the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles. In a truly historic moment, Foreman delivered a powerful tenth-round knockout, reclaiming the world heavyweight championship and cementing his status as one of boxing's greatest comeback stories.

Making History: The Oldest Heavyweight Champion

Upon defeating Moorer, George Foreman made boxing history, becoming the oldest world heavyweight champion. His historical achievement was further solidified through his subsequent actions. Foreman later opted to drop the WBA belt rather than face a mandatory defense against Tony Tucker, citing promotional challenges and a desire for more lucrative opportunities. Following a single, successful, and somewhat controversial IBF title defense against Axel Schulz on June 28, 1995, Foreman renounced his IBF title. This marked the last major championship belt he ever held, solidifying his record as the oldest world heavyweight champion at 46 years and 169 days. While Foreman holds the distinction as the oldest to win a major world heavyweight boxing championship, the renowned Bernard Hopkins holds the record as the oldest to win a world title in any weight class, achieving this at light heavyweight.

Foreman continued to box until 1997, finally retiring at the age of 48, with his final fight being a decision loss to Shannon Briggs. His second career proved to be just as impactful as his first, defying expectations and captivating a new generation of fans. His final professional record stands at an impressive 76 wins (including 68 knockouts) against only 5 losses.

A Lasting Legacy in Boxing and Beyond

George Foreman’s exceptional career achievements have been widely recognized and celebrated within the boxing community. He earned induction into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999 and the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, solidifying his place among the sport's all-time greats. Esteemed organizations have consistently ranked him highly: the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) considers him the eighth-greatest heavyweight of all time, a testament to his dominance and impact. Additionally, The Ring magazine, a highly respected boxing publication, named him one of the 25 greatest fighters of the past 80 years in 2002 and ranked him as the ninth-greatest puncher of all time, acknowledging his formidable knockout power.

Beyond his fighting prowess, Foreman also contributed significantly to the sport as a compelling ringside analyst for HBO's boxing coverage. For 12 years, until 2004, his insightful commentary, often delivered with his signature folksy charm and directness, provided unique perspectives and entertainment to millions of viewers, further cementing his popularity and appeal.

Entrepreneurial Empire: The George Foreman Grill and Beyond

While his boxing triumphs are legendary, George Foreman’s post-retirement success as an entrepreneur is equally remarkable, making him a household name far beyond the sports world. He is most famously associated with the "George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine," universally known as the George Foreman Grill. Launched in 1994, this innovative indoor electric grill became an unprecedented commercial phenomenon, lauded for its ability to drain fat from food and promote healthier cooking. The grill has sold over 100 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling consumer products of all time. In 1999, Foreman capitalized on this immense success by selling the commercial rights to the grill for an astonishing $138 million, securing his financial legacy and demonstrating remarkable business acumen.

Foreman’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the grill, encompassing a range of products and ventures, including a line of cleaning products, cookbooks, and even a chain of restaurants. His journey from impoverished beginnings to Olympic champion, two-time heavyweight king, and wildly successful businessman exemplifies the American dream, showcasing resilience, reinvention, and an enduring commitment to his varied passions.

Frequently Asked Questions About George Foreman

How old was George Foreman when he won his last world heavyweight title?

George Foreman was 45 years old (specifically, 45 years and 299 days) when he defeated Michael Moorer on November 5, 1994, to reclaim the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles. He became the oldest world heavyweight champion in history.

What is the George Foreman Grill?

The George Foreman Grill, officially known as the "George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine," is an indoor electric grill designed to cook food quickly while draining away fat into a drip tray. It became a global commercial success due to its effective design and health-conscious appeal.

How many units of the George Foreman Grill have been sold worldwide?

The George Foreman Grill has sold over 100 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling consumer products of all time.

Did George Foreman win an Olympic gold medal?

Yes, George Foreman won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, representing the United States.

Who did George Foreman lose to in the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle"?

George Foreman suffered his first professional loss to Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble in the Jungle" on October 30, 1974, by an eighth-round knockout.

What was George Foreman's final professional boxing record?

George Foreman's final professional boxing record stands at an impressive 76 wins (with 68 knockouts) and only 5 losses.