Houston Pays Tribute to George Foreman
In a moving commemorative ceremony held in Houston, the city where he grew up, George Foreman was remembered. The boxing legend was honored for his outstanding career, his unwavering faith, his love for his family, and his desire to help others.
He preached love all the time. That’s what life is about. It’s about love and George was pure because he lived and believed what he preached.
James Douglas, friend of Foreman and former president of Texas Southern University
The event, which lasted for almost an hour and a half, brought together family and friends to share anecdotes about Foreman. His career as a two-time heavyweight champion, his work as a pastor in a northeast Houston church, and his business success, especially known for the popular George Foreman grill, were highlighted.
Even pre-recorded messages from Foreman himself were broadcast, who addressed the audience posthumously from the Wortham Theater Center, the place that hosted the tribute.
Winning and losing can never ensure a lasting smile. But saying to the face you see daily, ‘I did my best,’ can.
George Foreman
Several speakers, including George Foreman IV, one of the boxer’s five children, highlighted the importance of faith in his father’s life and how God guided his efforts to help others.
George Foreman IV shared a song that his grandmother gave to his father in a difficult time, and that he now dedicated to the audience.
Foreman had 12 children, including five sons who share the name George Edward Foreman.
Rest in peace, Dad. We will carry your love with us always.
George Foreman IV, son and pastor
Former boxer Michael Moorer, whom Foreman defeated in 1994 to become the oldest heavyweight champion (45 years old), recalled the relationship of respect that was built between the two over more than three decades.
George was a champion in life. His faith transformed the shy boy from Texas into a successful businessman and a voice for the less fortunate.
Michael Moorer, former boxer
Dr. Adan Rios, a close friend of Foreman, recalled how the boxer acquired land to create a food bank for AIDS patients and donated 1.7 million dollars for the treatment of adolescent cancer patients.
George Foreman passed away on March 21 at the age of 76. His family has not revealed the cause of his death, limiting themselves to communicating on social media that he left “in peace… surrounded by loved ones”.
Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, a historically African-American neighborhood.
His boxing career began with a gold medal at the 1968 Olympic Games, and the following year he turned professional.
In 1973, Foreman became world heavyweight champion by defeating Joe Frazier. However, he lost the title the following year to Muhammad Ali in the historic fight “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire.
After a religious experience, Foreman became a pastor in 1978 and founded The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1980.
After a decade of absence, he returned to the ring and in 1994 starred in one of the most memorable knockouts in boxing history by defeating Moorer, who was 19 years younger, to obtain the two heavyweight belts.
Foreman retired in 1997 with a record of 76 wins and 5 losses.
Later, he ventured into the business world, advertising, and acting. He became an icon thanks to the George Foreman grill, which sold over 100 million units and generated more income than boxing. In 2023, a biographical film about his life was released.
Of all the qualities I could mention, his faith, his family, his boxing career, his business career, the one that stands out most to me as a friend of George Foreman is that he never forgot where he came from.
John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston
