George Foreman

I only found out today that George Foreman had died sometime in late March this year. He was 76.

In 1974, he was the reigning world heavyweight boxing champion and that year, he fought with Muhammad Ali in Zaire. The event was called the Rumble in the Jungle. I was in Primary 6 then.

When I was growing up Muhammad Ali was a legend. He was very popular and even my parents knew about him. He had won the Olympics gold medal in boxing in 1960 and became the world heavyweight boxing champion in 1964 after defeating Sonny Liston. He was just so beautiful to watch. Graceful, fast and powerful and he talked a lot both before and during a fight. His title was taken away from him in 1967 after he had converted to Islam and refused to be drafted to fight the Vietnam war. He was only allowed to fight again in 1970 after he had taken the matter to the Supreme Court. But by then, he was not the same. He had lost his speed, energy and power. So he lost the opportunity to fight and defend his title in his prime years.

George Foreman was a formidable champion. Strong and powerful with a power packed punch. In 1974 Foreman was in his prime and Ali had already passed his prime. No one liked Foreman much then. He never smiled. And everyone, me included, was rooting for Ali that year. And Ali won.

That fight was how I got to know who George Foreman was.

Later Foreman became a Christian minister, won the title again in his 40s and became good friends with Ali. When you see photos of him in his later years, he always has a beautiful smile and looks peaceful.

Rest in peace George.