Boxing legend George Forman died
Box legend George Forman has died, his family reported. « Philanthropist, Olympian, twice the world champion for superficial professionals, he was deeply respected – a force of good, a man of discipline and dedication that defends his covenants, struggling to reserve his good reputation – in the name of the family, « In this way, his relatives describe him in the communique of his death.
Forman was 76 years old and died in his home in Huffman, Texas. He is known for his nicknames « Big George » and « Pastor ». In 1974, he participated in the greatest match in boxing history, known as « Jungle Grobot ». In Zaire (today Congo), Forer faces the world champion and an absolute favorite against another legend – Mohammed Ali, but is knocked out in the eighth round. He regains the title of World Champion 21 years later, when he knocked out Michael Murrr, and thus, at 45 and 299 days, became the oldest belt carrier in the heavyweight in the history of professional boxing.
At the age of 19, he became the Olympic champion of the Mexico City Games in 1968. In January 1973, Foreman overthrowed the unbeaten Joe Fraser six times in two rounds to win the WBA and WBC belts and become a heavyweight champion.
Box legend Joe Fraser died
There are 76 wins in the professional ring, 68 of which are knockout. His losses are only five. One time he himself is knocked out and this happens in the legendary clash with Mohammed Ali in Zair. He officially ended his career in 1997. Two decades earlier, he retired from boxing for the first time, devoting himself to life as a pastor. He founded his chain of roadside grill restaurants, from which he becomes a multimillionaire.
The decision to return to the ring at the age of 39 is made, as it needs money to finance the Youth Center for Disadvantaged Children He created. Forman himself is a lonely mother and has six other siblings. Before he started boxing, he left school and participated in street robberies, where he used his big height to stay victims.
In 1991, he was part of another unforgettable match – against Eveland Holyfield, called « The Battle of the Ages, » but lost on points by unanimous referee decision.
There are a total of five marriages and 12 children. Each of the five boys that his wives give birth is named George.
