George Foreman remembered as boxing legend and a man of faith in moving memorial service

In an emotional memorial service in Houston, friends, family, and even former rivals came together to honour George Foreman—not just as a boxing legend, but as a devoted man of faith and family.

The two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist sadly passed away at the age of 76 on Friday, March 21, leaving the boxing world without one of its most celebrated champions.

During the 90-minute service on Monday, April 14, those gathered recalled anecdotes about the boxing legend while reflecting on his role as a pastor who delivered life affirming sermons and a savvy businessman best known for the George Foreman Grill.

Longtime friend and former president of Texas Southern University in Houston, James Douglas spoke of Foreman’s commitment to preaching.

“He preached love all the time. That’s what this life is all about,” he said.

“It’s all about love and George was pure because George lived and believed what he preached.”

Former boxer Michael Moorer, who Foreman defeated in 1994 to become the oldest man at age 45 to win the heavyweight championship, told the crowd that the two went from being competitors to having a relationship “built on respect for over 30 years.”

“George was a champion in life. His faith transformed the shy country boy from Texas to a successful businessman and a voice for the less fortunate,” Moorer said.

Born January 10, 1949, Foreman found boxing as a way to rise above the hardships of a difficult childhood.

At just 19 years old, Foreman secured the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, cementing his place as one of boxing’s brightest rising stars.

Turning professional, Foreman went on an incredible 37-match winning streak, setting up a monumental showdown with reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica. In a dominant performance, Foreman defeated Frazier by technical knockout in the second round to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

Foreman successfully defended his title two more times before facing Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), in what would become one of the most iconic fights in boxing history.

Ali had been stripped of his title seven years earlier for refusing military service during the Vietnam War, and he entered the fight as a heavy underdog against the larger, younger Foreman.

For seven rounds, Ali lay against the ropes, absorbing Foreman’s powerful punches, before tiring and knocking him out in the eighth round.

The defeat left Foreman devastated, leading him to take a year off from boxing. After returning to the ring, he suffered a second professional loss, retiring in 1977 to become an ordained minister with the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A decade later, Foreman made an unexpected comeback, motivated by his desire to raise funds for a youth centre he had founded in Texas. Over the next few years, he went on to win 24 consecutive matches, before losing a 12-round decision to Evander Holyfield in 1991.

Foreman’s greatest triumph came three years later when, at the age of 45, he made history by knocking out the undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.

In the years following his retirement, Foreman found success beyond the boxing ring, becoming a beloved spokesperson for a range of products, most famously the George Foreman Grill.

-with AP.