George Foreman delivered punches with some of the best boxers in the world. He held his own against Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, and Joe Frazier. Foreman was surly in and out of the ring as a young man. That all changed, though, when he found a higher calling.
Foreman, who died on Friday at his home in Houston at the age of 76, managed to make his second act one that people will never forget. Once “Big” George found his relationship with God and Jesus Christ, his whole outlook on life changed. At 45 years old, Foreman wasn’t in the same shape as he was in his Olympic gold-medal-winning days.
Sure, he had a world heavyweight championship to his name. Not many people, though, gave him a puncher’s chance when he entered the ring against Michael Moorer. What happened, though, was something amazing. People might have even called it miraculous. Foreman connected with a stiff right hand to Moorer, sending the then-champ to the mat. Moorer didn’t get up.
There was a new champ and, well, a new person holding boxing’s biggest crown. Upon winning the fight, Foreman didn’t jump up and down in the ring. No, Foreman turned around, faced his corner, and dropped to his knees. No doubt he was thanking God for the victory.
What’s so amazing about Foreman’s second boxing crown was how he handled himself after his victory. He made media appearances, popping up on talk shows here and there. Foreman even traded barbs with no less than Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
In public, Foreman was a lighter soul. He didn’t growl or snap at people. Foreman just exuded a different nature about himself. He went through his transformation, one that fans old and new alike came to love. Of course, Foreman made a few million dollars on his grills.
Additionally, Foreman didn’t let the newfound fame go to his head. Why did he get back in the ring against Moorer? Foreman wanted to raise money for his church. That goal was reached. He even found time to reconnect with Ali, one of his most formidable foes. They were both older now; the yearnings for ring success were not as much as younger men would hunger for in their lives.
Many people took to social media on Friday night to share their memories of Foreman. One of the most touching fan posts came from Ricky Cobb, who oversees “Super 70s Sports” on X.
When people think about Foreman at this time, they tend to recall wistful memories of him smiling and joking. No longer known for his tough exterior, Foreman became one of the most approachable people. He handled everything in life with grace. Maybe it was the grace of God that filled his soul.
Now, Foreman walks among boxing legends in the heavenly. One might imagine him and Ali having a wistful conversation of days gone by. They can talk about the “Rumble in the Jungle” in a larger context.
Yet a more significant part of Foreman probably heard these words uttered from another voice. One that said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Well, this hasn’t been so much of a rant. It’s been more like a little look at one man’s life, making a difference to so many people. George Foreman led his flock every Sunday morning, giving them some Gospel and hope. He knew how much his faith had changed his own life.
His messages probably were peppered with love, compassion, and empathy. That’s quite a far journey from a heavyweight boxing champion’s fierce punching prowess. Foreman will not be forgotten.
Rest easy, “Big” George. You’ve deserved your heavenly peace.
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