Who is George Foreman?
George Foreman, born January 10, 1949, is an American who has worn many hats—former professional boxer, entrepreneur, minister, and author. Known as “Big George,” he fought professionally from 1967 to 1997, capturing the world heavyweight title twice and securing an Olympic gold medal in 1968. Foreman is also well-recognized for his business success with the George Foreman Grill. After hanging up his gloves, he was ordained as a minister and became a motivational speaker. His notable comeback in 1994 at the age of 45 made him the oldest world heavyweight champion ever.
George Foreman’s age and birthday
Foreman, born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, is a Capricorn.
George Foreman height and weight
Foreman is 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches) tall and weighs around 117 kilograms (258 pounds). He is known for his muscular physique, dark brown eyes, and usually maintains a bald head.
George educational background
Foreman left school at 15 and subsequently joined the Job Corps, where he obtained his GED and trained as a carpenter and bricklayer.
George Foreman spouse and children
Foreman has been married five times and is the father of 12 children. His wives include Adrienne Calhoun (1971-1974), Cynthia Lewis (1977-1979), Sharon Goodson (1981-1982), Andrea Skeete (1982-1985), and his current spouse, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985. Foreman’s five sons all share the same name—George Edward Foreman—but go by different nicknames: George Jr., George III (“Monk”), George IV (“Big Wheel”), George V (“Red”), and George VI (“Little Joey”). He also has daughters: Natalia, Leola, Michi, Georgetta, Freeda (now deceased), and two adopted daughters, Isabella and Courtney.
George Foreman parents and siblings
Foreman’s family includes his mother, Nancy Foreman (née Nelson), who was born in June 1920 in Harrison, Texas, and passed away on December 14, 1998, in Houston, Texas. His biological father is Leroy Moorehead, and his stepfather, J.D. Foreman, was the source of his adopted surname. Foreman has several siblings: his brothers Roy, who was involved in the boxing industry, Kenneth Wayne, and Robert Wayne, both of whom are deceased, and his sisters Willie Mae, Gloria Ann, and Mary Alice, with Willie Mae and Gloria Ann also having passed away.
George career, achievements and awards
Foreman’s career is marked by significant achievements and memorable moments. As an amateur, he earned a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Turning professional in 1969, Foreman quickly gained recognition in the boxing world. He clinched the world heavyweight title in 1973 by defeating Joe Frazier but lost it to Muhammad Ali in the renowned 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle.” After retiring in 1977, Foreman made a remarkable comeback in 1987 and, at the age of 45 in 1994, became the oldest world heavyweight champion by knocking out Michael Moorer, securing the WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight titles. He retired for the final time in 1997 with a record of 76 wins, including 68 by knockout, and 5 losses.
Foreman’s career is also highlighted by numerous awards and honors. He won the Olympic gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics and captured the world heavyweight championship twice, first from 1973 to 1974 and again from 1994 to 1995. His accolades from The Ring Magazine include Progress of the Year in 1970, Fighter of the Year in 1973 and 1976, and Comeback of the Year in 1994. Additionally, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Beyond boxing, Foreman achieved entrepreneurial success with the George Foreman Grill, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide. His career reflects his resilience and skill, cementing his status as one of the most iconic figures in the history of boxing.
George Foreman net worth and salary
As of 2024, Foreman’s net worth is around $300 million. His earnings have been bolstered significantly by his boxing career, with substantial payouts from notable matches against Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.
A major contributor to his wealth is the George Foreman Grill, for which he signed a $137.5 million endorsement deal with Salton Inc. over five years and earned approximately 40% of the profits from each grill sold. At its peak, this arrangement generated around $4.5 million monthly for Foreman. Additionally, he has earned income through various other ventures, including endorsements, his online meat company, George Foreman’s Butcher Shop, and his boxing promotion business.
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