One Meeting:
Changed His Life
George Foreman—World heavyweight champion
When the mortal encounters the immortal,
When the selfish encounters the selfless,
When the arrogant encounters the humble,
When the ignorant encounters the infinite:
There ought to be evidence,
There ought to be change,
A transformation we can see and believe.
That is exactly what happened to George Foreman.
George Foreman’s Encounter with Jesus
After losing to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977, George Foreman experienced a profound turning point in his life. Exhausted and physically depleted, Foreman returned to his dressing room, where he suddenly collapsed and felt as if he was dying. He described being overwhelmed by a terrifying sense of darkness and separation from everything good—a sensation he later likened to being in hell247.
In that desperate moment, Foreman cried out to Jesus, pleading for his life and promising to devote himself to God if he was spared. He recounted that, as soon as he did, peace flooded his heart, and he felt as if he had been born again. Foreman began shouting, “Jesus Christ is coming alive in me!” right there in the locker room, startling those around him, who thought he might have been affected by the fight2346.
He later described seeing blood on his forehead and hands, reminiscent of the wounds of Christ, even though he hadn’t been cut during the match—an experience that further convinced him of the reality of his encounter157.
How His Life Changed After That Encounter
Immediate Changes:
- Foreman abruptly retired from boxing at the height of his career, feeling that his heart was no longer in the sport and that he had a higher calling 245.
- He began openly sharing his testimony, telling anyone who would listen about his experience and newfound faith in Jesus Christ 26.
Long-Term Transformation:
- Foreman became an ordained minister and founded The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston25.
- He dedicated himself to preaching, community service, and working with youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, opening the George Foreman Youth and Community Center2.
- His public persona changed dramatically: the once-angry and intimidating fighter became known for his warmth, joy, and humility, often speaking about grace, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith27.
- Foreman consistently credited God for his successes, both in and out of the ring, and emphasized that true peace comes not from fighting, but from surrendering to Jesus 267.
Legacy:
- Foreman’s story became a powerful testimony, inspiring people from all walks of life, including those who might never have set foot in a church 26.
- He continued to share his faith through books, interviews, and public speaking, always pointing people to the hope he found in Christ 246.
In His Own Words:
“I found something greater than a boxing title. I found the Lord.”2
Foreman’s encounter with Jesus after his near-death experience in 1977 marked the end of one life and the beginning of another—transforming him from heavyweight champion to a devoted minister and inspirational figure.
Citations:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo8TLpPLcvY
- https://ecerkva.com/en/articles/world/1372-from-knockouts-to-new-life-george-foreman-s-journey-of-faith
- https://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/i-found-jesus-george-foreman-says-1977-near-death-experience-changed-his-life.html
- https://www.christianpost.com/news/george-foreman-on-the-turning-point-that-changed-his-life.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUXHQoNN3zk
- https://www.faithwire.com/2023/04/28/george-foreman-recalls-incredible-conversion-to-faith-in-god-jesus-christ-is-coming-alive-in-me/
- https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/george-foreman-jesus-christ-what-stopped-delivering-knockout-punch-vs-muhammad-ali-9900463/
- https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/george-foreman-recalls-near-death-experience-there-is-a-living-god.html
- https://www.instagram.com/sports_spectrum/reel/DHfDbGWuMnZ/
- https://www.instagram.com/sportandfaith_/reel/DHgJlMUIL0i/
- https://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/i-found-jesus-george-foreman-says-1977-near-death-experience-changed-his-life.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWDIgMto6A
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P6_bnj6fCM
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHghnaIp6Zu/
- https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/boxing/2023/05/02/big-george-foreman-movie-career-faith-journey/
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George Foreman’s Most Famous
Accomplishments in Boxing
Olympic Gold Medalist (1968)
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Foreman won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics, launching his career as a global boxing figure14.
World Heavyweight Champion (1973)
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He captured the world heavyweight title by defeating the undefeated Joe Frazier with a stunning second-round TKO in 1973, knocking Frazier down six times in just two rounds146.
Historic Fights
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Foreman’s fight with Muhammad Ali in 1974, known as “The Rumble in the Jungle,” is one of the most famous bouts in boxing history. Though Foreman lost, the fight cemented his legacy and is widely remembered for its drama and significance14.
Remarkable Comeback and Second World Title (1994)
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After a decade-long retirement, Foreman returned to boxing and, in 1994, at age 45, knocked out Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight championship. This made him the oldest fighter ever to win a world heavyweight title and set the record for the longest interval (20 years) between world championships148.
Career Record and Knockout Power
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Foreman retired with a professional record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and 5 losses, making him one of the most formidable punchers in boxing history37.
Other Titles and Honors
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He held major world titles from the WBA, WBC, and IBF, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame17.
Foreman’s achievements—Olympic gold, multiple heavyweight world titles, a legendary comeback, and a reputation as one of the hardest punchers ever—secure his place among boxing’s all-time greats.
Citations:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Foreman
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqs_eYfOqnI
- https://www.georgeforeman.com/pages/georges-career
- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6224887/2025/03/23/george-foreman-the-five-greatest-moments-of-his-career/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO5WOMJv2mc
- https://www.liveabout.com/george-foreman-career-record-424252
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Foreman
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/22/sport/gallery/george-foreman/index.html
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