In a recent episode of the popular talk show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, boxing legend George Foreman opened up about his career and shared some fascinating stories. Host Jonathan Ross was thrilled to have Foreman as a guest and wasted no time diving into the iconic moment when Foreman fought Muhammad Ali.
The rumble in the jungle was a defining moment in Foreman’s career, and he recalled the intense battle in Africa. Foreman dominated for five or six rounds before Ali strategically struck him in the side, causing Foreman to fall on his ear. Ali whispered, “Get up, George. I don’t want to be defined like that.” Despite ultimately losing the fight, Foreman reflected on the significance of the event and expressed his respect for Ali.
During the conversation, Ross noted how Foreman’s demeanor seemed to have changed since his boxing days. The former heavyweight champion attributed his transformation to becoming a father to his ten children. He emphasized the importance of raising them to be good individuals, instilling the values of sitting up straight and smiling. In fact, Foreman even mentioned witnessing his kids enjoying themselves in a documentary about the fight in Africa, suggesting that being a father brought him a newfound happiness and relaxation.
Aside from his boxing career, Foreman has gained recognition in the world of product promotion. The conversation touched upon his famous George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine. A proud owner of the grill himself, Foreman boasted about its effectiveness, even at the age of 73. He playfully mentioned how it allowed him to enjoy foods like portobello mushrooms and eggplants, which he had never tried before.
The discussion then turned to Foreman’s children, and Ross inquired about his five daughters named George. Foreman explained that his children’s names were a result of his preparation for his boxing career. As a boxer, he needed to save money, as many fighters tend to go broke, and he also had to prepare for potential memory loss. However, he expressed some regret in not having stopped at just two Georges, as it can get confusing when calling them.
Ross also brought up Foreman’s daughter Frieda, who is a professional boxer, just like her famous father. Foreman proudly shared that Frieda had competed in six matches, only losing one. He acknowledged that while some people might discourage their daughters from entering such a physically demanding sport, he believed in letting his children pursue their own ambitions. Foreman emphasized that it was not his place to dictate his children’s choices and that they must live their own lives.
The conversation concluded with Ross mentioning how Foreman stood in the shadow of the legendary Muhammad Ali. Foreman paid tribute to Ali, calling him the best man and a remarkable individual. He even humorously mentioned that he wouldn’t dare compete with Ali, who had also ventured into the grilling machine business.
The episode of Friday Night With Jonathan Ross featuring George Foreman was a captivating and inspiring journey through the life and career of a boxing legend. Foreman’s candor and joy in sharing his stories made for an unforgettable interview, leaving the audience in awe of his accomplishments and humble spirit.
