George Foreman, renowned as the second wealthiest boxer of all time, didn't find success easily. His story of resilience begins in the early challenges of his life.
Foreman, a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, emerged from a troubled youth in Texas. After his father left when he was just 5 years old, Foreman often found himself in trouble, engaging in fights and dropping out of school at 15 with limited literacy skills.
A pivotal moment came when he was fleeing police, leading him to reconsider his life's direction. The very next day, he joined the Job Corps, inspired by a commercial featuring football legends Jimmy Brown and Johnny Unitas, who said, "If you're looking for a second chance, join the Job Corps." There, he acquired skills in bricklaying, forestry, and carpentry, and learned to read and write, sending money home to his mother each month. Boxing entered his life in the Job Corps after a challenge from peers: "I was always trying to be a tough guy and kept getting into fights," Foreman recalled. "All the guys in the day room (at Job Corps) said, 'George, you're always picking on people, bullying people; if you're so tough, why don't you become a boxer?'"
Moving to California, he met his first boxing coach and started training. Initially humiliated in an early match, he almost quit but was drawn back into the sport by a coach who provided him with boxing shoes after Foreman made up an excuse about not having any.
Foreman's boxing career swiftly ascended, winning an Olympic gold medal in 1968. However, his proud display of the American flag post-victory sparked controversy among civil rights activists. He explained his actions to Hans Massaquoi of Ebony: "I was so proud that I had won. I wanted the world to know that I was from America."
Despite adopting a surly persona post-Olympics, Foreman became heavyweight champion in 1973 by defeating Smokin' Joe Frazier. Yet, his defeat to Muhammad Ali in 1974's "Rumble in the Jungle" was a significant blow. "I lost the most wonderful position I'd had — the heavyweight title," Foreman said. "I was devastated. I couldn't live with myself, so I had to start fighting again to be a champion." After a spiritual awakening in 1977, he retired to become an evangelist and community leader, stating, "For 10 years, I never even made a fist," as he devoted himself to religious life and community service.
Financial difficulties in 1987 prompted Foreman's return to boxing, where he overcame skepticism and physical challenges to reclaim the heavyweight title at age 45, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion. His victory over Michael Moorer, despite being outmatched for much of the fight, is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.
Following his boxing career, Foreman transformed into a successful entrepreneur and pitchman, endorsing products for major brands and making a fortune from his association with the George Foreman Grill, earning upwards of $250 million from the endorsement, making it one of the most lucrative deals in sports history.
