He originally became well-known throughout the country after representing the United States in the heavyweight class and taking home a gold medal from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
He went on to win the heavyweight world championship in 1973 when he memorably knocked out Joe Frazier in the second round. Power and intensity characterized Foreman’s early boxing career,
But after a devastating defeat to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, Foreman’s life took a spiritual turn.
He created a youth center in Houston and became an ordained priest after retiring in 1977. Ten years later, he made one of the sport’s most spectacular comebacks and resumed boxing.
In 1994, he beat Michael Moorer, becoming him the oldest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 45.
