Last Updated on September 13, 2024
George Foreman is one of the top ten greatest heavyweights in history. He is an Olympic Gold medalist and a two-time heavyweight boxing champion. If you are a martial arts fan and follow wrestling matches, then George Foreman will be no alien to you.
George grew up with his mother, stepfather, and six other siblings in Houston, Texas. He was quite troublesome and dropped out of school at just 15, and the following year, he enrolled in Job Corps, an institution that provides educational and vocational training for the youth of ages 16 to 24. After he moved to Pleasanton, California, he started boxing training.
George’s boxing career officially started in 1968, when he participated in the Mexico City Olympic Games and won a Gold Medal. The next year marked the beginning of his professional career as he won all his boxing matches and started his winning streak.
In 1974, he had a big fight against Muhammed Ali, a well-known professional boxer and one of the greatest ever. The match took place in Zaire, and it ended in Muhammed’s victory, making him the first person ever to knock George down.
Three years later, George ended his boxing career when he felt he had lost his touch. While he was away from the sport, George found himself in the middle of a financial crisis and had to return to the ring to save himself from bankruptcy.
His return was impressive as he performed surprisingly well, a huge contrast to the expectation of people. He finally retired at 48 with seventy-six wins and five losses in his career.
George has a total of twelve children from various relationships. He has been in four marriages in the past, and he is currently married to Mary Joan.
Quick Facts
Full Name: | George Edward Foreman |
Popular Name: | George Foreman |
Gender: | Male |
Birth Date: | January 10, 1949 |
Age: | 74 years |
Parents: | Mary Joan (mother), Leroy Moorehead (biological father) |
Siblings: | N/A |
Birth Place: | Marshall, Texas. |
Nationality: | American |
Ethnicity: | African-American |
Education: | Wheatley High School |
Marital Status: | Married |
Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
Wife/Spouse: | Mary Joan Martelly |
Children: | George Jr., George III, George IV, George V, George VI, Freeda, Courtney, Michi, Isabella, and Georgetta. |
Dating: | N/A |
Net Worth: | $300 million |
Source of Wealth: | Professional Boxing, Endorsement deals, Entrepreneur |
Height: | 6ft3 (1.91m) |
Weight: | 118kg (260lbs) |
Early Life and Career Information
George was born George Edward Foreman, on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas. He moved to Houston with his mother and step-father, where he grew up with six other siblings.
George did not complete High School, nor did he attend College. Shortly after he dropped out of high school, he enrolled in Job Corps, where he started boxing training.
His career journey is interesting, as it follows his splendid record of 76 wins out of 81 matches. His 1968 Olympic Gold medal was his first achievement as a boxer.
Foreman’s professional career started with a smooth sail as he succeeded in securing 13 wins (11 of which were knockouts) and 0 losses in 1969. The following year, he won all 12 of his matches. Yet again, he won 7 more matches the next year.
George’s winning streak lasted for five years and came to an end in 1974. He lost the match to Muhammed Ali, themed “The Rumble in the Jungle.” His first retirement was in 1977, after losing a match to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico.
George lost almost all his fortune to bad investments and an extravagant lifestyle during this break period. To avoid bankruptcy, George had to fight for his income. Consequently, he returned to his boxing career.
It seemed like the break was just what he needed because his return gave him the opportunity for more victories. He said his victories were a result of his healthy lifestyle and improved nutrition. Upon his return, he also became a boxing commentator for HBO.
George was one of the three great boxing stars in the late 1900s. He is also one of the most powerful punchers ever and remains the oldest person ever to win the heavyweight championship.
In 1997, he retired officially. Then, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame. He got different endorsement deals, but the most popular one is that of the Grill.
George Foreman’s Net Worth

George Foreman has a net worth of $300 million. As opposed to the popular assumption that most of his wealth came from his career as a professional boxer, more than half of his wealth is from his endorsement deal with Salton.
In addition, his line of cleaning and personal care products contributes to his huge net worth.
Lessons from the Life of George Foreman
Perseverance Conquers All Difficulty
“To be successful in life, you must get into the habit of turning negatives into positives.” ~ George Freeman.
George Foreman faced some financial challenges after his first retirement. However, despite the nasty comments he got from people, he was not too scared to return to his career and pick himself back up.
Take Healthy Risks
“The world is full of people who want to play it safe, people who have tremendous potential but never use it…” ~ George Foreman.
George Foreman was always eager to take risks, although, at some point, his habit of risk-taking in investments cost him a substantial amount of his fortune. Taking healthy risks is necessary to utilize our full potential and succeed.
Be the Best Version of You
George Foreman was able to get to the peak of his career after returning from his long break. Despite his age, he trained hard and paid attention to little details such as his diet and lifestyle. Due to this, he was able to keep fit, remain in good shape, and excel in his career.