During the month of February it has been observed as Black History Month.

Created by American historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History week was established on February 12th, 1926 and as part of the bicentennial the week was expanded into Black History Month in 1976.

As we pay tribute to notable African Americans who made contributions we are honoring men and women who have ties to East Texas.

Today we shine a spotlight on George Foreman.

Boxing legend George Foreman was born January 10th, 1949 in Marshall, Texas.

While growing up in a difficult childhood George turned to boxing and worked up the ranks to winning a gold medal in the Heavyweight division during the 1968 Summer Olympics.

Nicknamed "Big George" he turned pro in 1969 and became the Heavyweight Champion by defeating Joe Frazier with a second round knockout in 1973.

Foreman remained undefeated until he suffered his first lost to Muhammad Ali in 1974 in the "Rumble In The Jungle."

Foreman retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister, but in ten years later 1987 he returned to boxing and in 1997 at the age of 45 he defeated 26 year old Michael Moore to win the Unified WBA, IBF, and lineal titles.

In 1997 Foreman retired from boxing at the age of 48 and has a record of 76 wins (68 by KO) and 5 losses.

In 2002 George Foreman was named of the 25 greatest fighters of the past 80 years by Ring Magazine and also turned entrepreneur with his George Foreman Grills.

 

 

 

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