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was always trying to be a tough guy and kept getting into fights,” Foreman said. “All the guys in the day room (at Job Corps) said, ‘George, you’re always picking on people, bullying people; if you’re so tough, why don’t you become a boxer?’” He moved to California, met a boxing coach for the first time, and started learning how to box at the gym. After a couple of weeks, the coach matched him up with a light heavyweight. “The guy was so skinny, and I told every friend I had to please come down and watch me,” Foreman said. Expecting to win, instead, he was humiliated and decided to quit boxing. “The kids at the gym just laughed me out,” Foreman said. A few weeks later, the trainer ran into Foreman on the street, asking him where he’d been. Not wanting to admit the real reason, he made up an excuse that he didn’t have shoes to box in. After the trainer gave him a pair of boxing shoes, Foreman had no more excuses and returned to the boxing gym. Only 20 months after his first boxing match, Foreman won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. He caused controversy among African American civil rights activists after winning when he waved an American flag around the ring. The activists saw this as a way of appeasing the oppressive, white-run society. Foreman told Ebony’s Hans Massaquoi, “I was so proud that I had won. I wanted the world to know that I was from America.” Hurt by the reaction, Foreman adopted a surly, tough-guy image and became known for his mean facial expressions, which made him unpopular and rejected by the public. Foreman fought
eorge Foreman, the second wealthiest boxer of all time, is a household name today, but he
didn’t become one easily. To truly understand and appreciate his resilience, you must look back at his life and the obstacles he’s faced. The two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, record-busting salesman, author, and serial entrepreneur had a troubled youth in Texas. Foreman’s father abandoned him, his mother, and his six siblings when Foreman was only 5 years old. Often roaming the streets as a youth, he got into trouble and didn’t like school. Bigger and stronger than most kids his age, he got into fights, lived in abandoned houses, and robbed people. At 15, he dropped out of school. He was street smart, but he could barely read and write. After being chased by police, he awakened to the truth about the destructive path he was headed down. The next day he signed up for the Job Corps. “I’d heard a commercial with Jimmy Brown and Johnny Unitas,” Foreman said. “They were great foot- ball players, and they said, ‘If you’re looking for a second chance, join the Job Corps.’” There he learned bricklaying, forestry, and carpentry as well as how to read and write. He sent money to his mom each month to help support his family. He took up boxing as a challenge after listening on the radio to the heavyweight title match when Cassius Clay fought against Floyd Patterson. “I
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