BOXING LEGEND DEPARTS: George Foreman, 76, departs as a champion

Heavyweight boxing lost a legend as George Foreman, 76, passed away on Friday in the United States of America. For those who have followed boxing as a sport in its pure and pristine form in bygone eras, Foreman stood like a beast in his white shorts and red gloves to match. He was, simply, brilliant. Much later in his life, Foreman became a preacher and was a committed family man, which defined his persona and stature. There is something about Black Americans who had slugged it out very hard in life in the USA. That is why when his family posted on Instagram news of his demise, it hit people hard.

George Foreman lived a full life and achieved all that he could have thought of, including Olympic glory. “Humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected, a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name, for his family,” read the post on social media. It tells you so much about a man who lived a full life and earned respect. They say, words spoken after demise mean a lot. While the human form goes away, the legacy left behind and the feelings which it evokes are important. Foreman is one such name, though when you talk of boxing legends, his name will come after the one and only Muhammad Ali.

Heavyweight boxing in the late 60s and much later when Foreman again emerged world champion, was hard. If one goes through the legacy left behind in the form of news reports, rare video footage and features on Foreman, he was part of a great rivalry with Ali. The ‘Fight Of The Century” in 1971 and ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ in 1971 and 1974 can be recalled as something like classics. Ali called himself ‘The Greatest’ yet suffered a lot in life. He had medical issues and battled the dreaded Parkisnon’s disease which had reduced his mobility and motility. In contrast, Foreman, despite the beating he had received as a boxer, was healthy.

To rewind, Foreman had lost his first big title to Ali, despite being a thunderous pugilist. Much later, he returned to knock out Michael Moorer for his second crown, two decades later, in 1994. Foreman was an ageless wonder, indeed, as he was 45 when he achieved this against an opponent who was 26. Famous for his fitness stuff, Foreman did plenty of hard work outside the ring. Above all, the George Foreman Grill, which sold 100m million units for cooking was also defining in many ways. In this age, when superstars endorse products and make money, the Grill was a big thing.

Though boxers lead lives which are one of fantasy, it was not easy for Foreman, born in a family with six siblings. Born in Marshall, Foreman’s family moved to Texas. He was from a poor family, so to be involved in crime and street robberies is well-known. It is nothing to be frowned upon. That society in America rescued him when Lyndon B Johnson was the President is a chapter which also needs mention. It ensured  George Foreman was moved out of Texas and was able to control his rage and use his boxing skills in a better way. By the age of 19 and in his 25th amateur fight, Foreman captured the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. He turned pro later and then fought like a machine. He took on the best in the boxing world.

Last but not the least, if you want to know more about George Foreman, hear the song (In Zaire), a top pop song of 1976, sung by Johnny Wakelin. Compare it with the more recent Rocky series, launched in several parts, showing Sylvester Stallone as the hero, you will notice the difference in boxing as well as the music, from pop to rock. Foreman was raw and riveting, and also did rock.