George Foreman best moments – a true legend in and out of the ring.
Before 1973, George Foreman was an Olympic gold medallist and a rising contender, but he wasn’t quite a household name yet. That changed overnight when he stepped into the ring with the undefeated Joe Frazier, the reigning heavyweight champion and the man who had famously beaten Muhammad Ali.
What happened next was absolute carnage. Foreman knocked Frazier down six times in just two rounds before the referee finally stopped it. His strength was unlike anything fans had seen – Frazier, known for his toughness, just couldn’t handle it.
The line “Down goes Frazier!” – shouted by commentator Howard Cosell – became one of the most iconic calls in boxing history. You can read a great breakdown of that historic fight on Boxing News here.
This was the night George Foreman became the heavyweight champion of the world – and the boxing world knew it had a serious powerhouse on its hands.
2. The Pure Power – Six Knockdowns in Two Rounds
Let’s not gloss over it – this wasn’t just a win. It was a demolition. Frazier had been unbeaten in 29 fights. George made it look easy. This wasn’t just a victory – it was a statement.
The fact Frazier got back up five times tells you everything about his heart, but Foreman’s power was too much. Every shot looked like it could break a wall. If you want a visual reminder of what heavyweight destruction looks like, this fight is Exhibit A.
3. The Rumble in the Jungle – Facing Muhammad Ali in 1974
A year later, George defended his title against none other than Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire. It was billed as the Rumble in the Jungle and remains one of the most famous fights of all time.
Foreman was the overwhelming favourite. He was younger, stronger, and had just destroyed Frazier. But Ali came in with a plan – the now-famous rope-a-dope tactic – letting George punch himself out before coming alive in the later rounds. In the eighth, Ali caught him with a right hand that sent him to the canvas.
Even though George lost, this fight became part of his legend. He was part of something bigger than boxing – a cultural moment that still gets talked about 50 years on. ESPN’s feature on the fight is well worth a read.
4. The Sudden Retirement – A Spiritual Turn in 1977
In 1977, after a shock loss to Jimmy Young, George Foreman stunned fans by retiring at the age of 28. But it wasn’t because of physical decline. After the fight, in the dressing room, George said he had a near-death experience and became a born-again Christian.
He stepped away from boxing at the peak of his career, dedicated himself to his faith, and became a preacher. For most athletes, that would’ve been the end of the story. But with George Foreman, it was only half-time.
5. The Unbelievable Comeback – Return to the Ring in the Late ‘80s
Ten years later, a now 38-year-old George Foreman announced he was returning to boxing. Most people didn’t take it seriously. He was older, heavier, and hadn’t fought in a decade. But George had something to prove – not just to the world, but to himself.
His early comeback fights were seen as exhibitions at first, but then he started racking up real wins against real contenders. Fans began to realise this wasn’t a joke – George Foreman was for real. Again.
He wasn’t the same fighter – gone were the six-pack abs and youthful aggression. But in their place was something arguably more dangerous: experience, ring IQ, and that power, which never left him.
6. Making History – Oldest Heavyweight Champion at Age 45 (1994)
This is the moment that will always be at the top of any list of George Foreman best moments.
In 1994, George Foreman fought 26-year-old Michael Moorer for the WBA and IBF titles. Moorer was younger, quicker, and was winning on points going into the tenth round. Then, out of nowhere, George threw a right hand from hell – and just like that, Moorer was out cold.
Foreman had done the impossible: he became the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history at the age of 45.
Ring Magazine has a brilliant recap of this shocking upset. It’s the kind of story you’d call unrealistic if it were in a film.
For me, this is probably George Foreman’s biggest achievement. Everyone thought his boxing comeback was a bit of a joke at first – I mean, a bloke in his 40s trying to mix it with the new generation? But as he started racking up wins, people had no choice but to take him seriously. And when he knocked out Michael Moorer, he proved that absolutely anything is possible.
Personally, George Foreman is a real inspiration to me. As someone who’s often told I can’t do something, I look at someone like George and think – if he can do it, so can I. He didn’t just defy the odds, he laughed in their face. That moment will always stick with me.
7. The Look That Broke the Mould
Part of what made his comeback so iconic was the way he carried himself. While others tried to look flashy or trash-talk their way to relevance, George showed up in plain red trunks, bald head, big grin – and punched holes in people.
He embraced being the “friendly uncle” of boxing, using humour and humility to win fans over – even those who had never seen his earlier career.
He didn’t care what people thought of how he looked. He was just there to fight – and more often than not, to win.
8. The Foreman Grill – A Knockout Outside the Ring
If you didn’t know him from boxing, there’s a good chance you knew him from your kitchen. The George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine launched in the mid-’90s and absolutely exploded in popularity.
It wasn’t just a gimmick – it worked. The grill became a staple in homes across the world, especially for people wanting to cook healthier. It’s estimated George earned over $200 million from the product yes, you did read that right to just say $200 million. BBC News covered just how successful the grill became.
He went from knocking people out to knocking out fat – and made more from grilling than most boxers make in the ring.
9. Becoming a Beloved Commentator and Personality
In the 2000s, George took on another role – as a TV commentator and larger-than-life personality. He brought charm, wit, and knowledge to the screen and quickly became a fan favourite on and off camera.
He was one of those rare athletes who seemed genuinely happy – always laughing, always grateful. His positivity was infectious. Whether you were watching a fight or a late-night interview, George always had a way of making people smile.
10. His Legacy – A Life of Second Chances
Perhaps the most inspiring part of George Foreman’s life isn’t just the titles or the knockouts. It’s the fact that he proved you could reinvent yourself – not once, but multiple times. From world champion to preacher, from comeback king to grill king, from boxer to businessman.
The George Foreman best moments aren’t just sporting achievements – they’re reminders that you’re never too old, too out of shape, or too far gone to turn things around.
His story isn’t just about boxing. It’s about redemption, faith, resilience, and legacy.
One Last Word on a True Icon
Whether it was flattening Frazier, shocking the world at 45, or flipping burgers on his grill empire, George Foreman lived a life like no other. He was one of the greatest heavyweights in history, one of the most lovable personalities in sport, and a man who never gave up – no matter what.
We’ll always remember him for his power, his smile, and his ability to keep coming back stronger.
Let’s Keep His Legacy Alive
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