American · Marshall, Texas · Born 10 January 1949American heavyweight boxer who became the oldest heavyweight champion at 45, known for his devastating punching power and the famous Rumble in the Jungle loss.
George Edward Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas in 1949 and had one of the most remarkable careers in boxing history — a brutal heavyweight champion who became a beloved television personality after a religious conversion and returned to win the world heavyweight title at 45. His professional record of 76 wins (68 by knockout — an 89% KO rate) and 5 losses spans two separate careers. His first career (1969–1977) produced the Olympic gold medal in 1968 and the undisputed heavyweight championship in 1973 — stopping Joe Frazier in 6 knockdowns in 2 rounds. He lost to Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974 — the rope-a-dope defeat that shaped his career narrative. After retirement and religious conversion he returned (1987–1997), regaining the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles at 45 years and 10 months in 1994 by knocking out Michael Moorer — the oldest man to win a world heavyweight title, a record that still stands. He won 68 of his 76 fights by knockout. After boxing he became a successful television pitchman, most famously for the George Foreman Grill, which he sold for $138 million. He was Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1973 and 1976.
Devastating punching power and comeback at age 45
He became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at age 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 — having not fought for 10 years.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive power puncher with devastating knockout ability
Lasting Impact
Two-time heavyweight champion, oldest heavyweight champion in history
Career Honours
- Undisputed Heavyweight Champion 1973–1974, 1994–1995
- Olympic Gold 1968 (Heavyweight)
- Oldest heavyweight champion in history (45)
- Ring Magazine Fighter of Year 1973, 1976
- George Foreman Grill inventor (sold for $138 million)
American Athletes