Reflecting on the Passing of George Foreman
By Irshad Akhtar
George Foreman’s recent passing has stirred profound reflections on one of boxing’s most captivating stories—the intertwined lives of two larger-than-life icons: Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. One was a devout Muslim who championed social justice and used his fame to confront inequality; the other, a born-again Christian preacher whose formidable fists transformed into instruments of service and hope. Together, they redefined what it means to be a champion, both in and out of the ring.
1. Two Men of Faith, Two Astounding Journeys
Muhammad Ali: The Fiery Prodigy Turned Global Humanitarian
Ali, originally Cassius Clay, captured the world’s attention when he won Olympic gold in Rome (1960). He became a heavyweight champion soon after, defeating Sonny Liston in 1964. Yet more than his quicksilver reflexes and verbal bravado, Ali’s decision to embrace Islam marked a turning point.
Changing his name to Muhammad Ali was not just a symbolic gesture—it was a bold statement of identity amid the racial tensions of 1960s America. He famously refused the Vietnam War draft, citing his religious convictions, and endured public vilification, loss of his title, and a three-year exile from boxing. But his resolve never wavered. Instead, Ali grew into a global humanitarian, using his faith to promote unity, charity, and respect for all people—an enduring testament to the power of conviction.
George Foreman: From Fearsome Power to Pastoral Peace
Foreman’s early life was marked by street brawls and scant prospects—until the Job Corps introduced him to boxing. Like Ali, he seized Olympic gold (1968), then tore through the pro ranks, a terrifying puncher who dealt out spectacular knockouts. His career peaked when he demolished Joe Frazier to become heavyweight champion.
But a crushing defeat to Ali in 1974—and later a dramatic loss to Jimmy Young—sparked a profound spiritual awakening in Foreman. He claimed to have experienced a near-death vision, prompting him to retire and become a Christian minister. For a decade, “Big George” served his Houston community as a preacher and youth mentor, emphasizing forgiveness and redemption. Incredibly, he returned to boxing at 38 to support his youth center, eventually becoming the oldest man ever to regain the heavyweight title at age 45.
2. The Fateful Collision: “The Rumble in the Jungle”
When Ali and Foreman clashed in Kinshasa, Zaire, for the “Rumble in the Jungle,” the stakes could not have been higher. Many believed Foreman’s raw power would crush Ali, whose speed had seemingly waned. Yet Ali orchestrated a brilliant strategy—staying on the ropes, absorbing Foreman’s barrage in the stifling heat. By round eight, Foreman was too exhausted to stop Ali’s lightning assault. Ali’s stunning knockout victory shook the world.
That fight was more than a mere championship battle; it was a collision of personalities and ideologies. The self-proclaimed “Greatest” snatched an improbable win, while the mighty Foreman suffered an unanticipated loss that sent him down a spiritual path leading to pastoral life. Long after, both men acknowledged that Kinshasa wasn’t just a test of skill but a crucible in which their destinies were forged.
3. A Surprising Bond
They began as fierce rivals, but Ali and Foreman grew close over time, demonstrating a camaraderie anchored in mutual respect and shared faith in a benevolent Creator.
Ali often praised Foreman’s kindness, noting how different “Big George” was from the intimidating fighter who once thundered through the division. Foreman, for his part, credited Ali’s victory as the catalyst for finding God. He insisted that losing in Zaire forced him to confront his pride and prioritize spirituality.
Their religions were distinct: Ali’s brand of Islam emphasized unity, justice, and compassion for the downtrodden; Foreman’s Christian teachings focused on rebirth and love for one’s neighbor. But both believed deeply in a higher calling to serve humanity. Their story exemplifies how faith can unite people who seem otherwise worlds apart.
4. Beyond Boxing: Service to Humanity
Ali and Foreman both used their fame for far more than sports glory.
- Ali the Humanitarian: Despite Parkinson’s disease slowing his body, he traveled worldwide promoting peace and interfaith dialogue. His involvement in charitable causes spanned Special Olympics to international diplomacy, always underscored by Islamic principles of mercy and generosity.
- Foreman the Minister and Mentor: Foreman poured resources into youth centers, bridging his community outreach with his Christian faith. He believed sports could save lives by keeping kids off dangerous streets. After his comeback, he endorsed the George Foreman Grill, a massive commercial success that funded further charitable projects.
Each man saw wealth and recognition not as ends in themselves but as means to uplift those who couldn’t fight for themselves.
5. Two Legends, One Powerful Message
Though their roads diverged—Ali’s in Islam and Foreman’s in Christianity—both men found a harmony in their respective beliefs. Each faith tradition provided them with a roadmap for charity, empathy, and humility.
Ali’s unwavering stance against injustice resonated with Foreman’s view that no one is beyond God’s grace. Where Ali spoke of unity among believers, Foreman spoke of second chances. Their spirituality was not performative but genuine—shaped by trials, losses, and the enlightening highs of victory.
They left us with vivid examples of how faith can elevate an athlete from mere competitor to statesman of the human spirit. More than any belt they won, their greatest legacy is the idea that a champion’s true measure lies in how he treats the less fortunate.
6. Foreman’s Passing: A Tribute to Two Souls
When Muhammad Ali died in 2016, George Foreman became one of the most impassioned voices celebrating Ali’s global impact. Now, with Foreman’s own passing, it feels like a chapter in sports history has definitively closed.
Yet the lessons they gave us remain powerful. They showed that even amid an era of fierce rivalries and brash personalities, faith can lead to reconciliation and profound friendship. They taught that someone shaped by violence—whether physically, socially, or emotionally—can undergo a transformative rebirth, demonstrating the miracles that compassion and conviction can bring.
7. The Lasting Echo
The parallels between “The Moslem and The Priest” remind us that, despite doctrinal differences, people of sincere faith often converge on the same ideals: empathy, compassion, and service. Their friendship became a beacon for unity, bridging gaps in race, creed, and culture.
Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Foreman exemplified this attitude, pouring his energy into uplifting the underprivileged. Both men believed the ring was just a stage from which they could speak to the world—and they did so with unforgettable resonance.
8. Conclusion: A Shared Legacy of Hope
Today, we honor George Foreman’s memory with gratitude for the many lives he touched and the love he championed. We recall Muhammad Ali’s fiery heart and lifelong dedication to social justice. In celebrating these two icons together, we see that their most significant victories extended far beyond boxing titles.
Ali and Foreman showed us that faith, in whatever shape it takes, is most potent when it drives us to love our neighbors, defend the marginalized, and become instruments of peace. Their journeys illustrate that defeat can pave the way to redemption, that spiritual conviction can bridge what seems unbridgeable, and that true greatness lies in the courage to serve others.
As we bid farewell to “Big George” and continue to cherish Ali’s memory, let their intertwined stories inspire us all. May we remember that no barrier—be it religious, cultural, or personal—is too high to overcome when guided by the conviction that we stand on this earth to lift each other up. Through George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, we’ve seen that real champions are those who fight not just for glory in a ring, but for the betterment of humanity itself.
