Join Rainy Day Boxing for an in depth career tribute to arguably the most powerful fighter of all time, 'Big' George Foreman. Rainy Day Boxing Patreon / rainydayboxing
From a troubled youngster suppressing his genuine self to a wise old man who accomplished the impossible. ‘Big’ George Foreman’s life is the quintessential example of a success story. I hope you all enjoy my first documentary of the year and I hope to be far more active in 2023 than I was last year.
I was bored and decided to rewatch the Joe Frazier one you had made and I was happily surprised when I had saw this one. posted 30 minutes ago. Great job, also think one on Marvin Hagler would be cool. thank you
I just said the SAME THING!! '65-'75 and '85--'95!!! Just look at the All-Time Greats that came out of those 2 eras. Let's see, Ali, Frazier, Norton, Liston, Tyson, Holyfield (Round 7), Moorer, Morrison, just to name the guys at the absolute top!!!
@Alan Grace I didn't mention Lennox cause I thought he came in during the late 90's. I also didn't mention other greats like Razor, Bowe and others, I was just kinda throwing names out. I remember foreman fighting Morrison I believe. Did he fight Lewis? I really don't remember them fighting if they did.
@is this where we came in? fair enough mate, I just wouldn't rate morrison that highly very weak chin as mercer proved and Lewis... Tua was another great one
Do people realize that George Foreman is the only Heavy Weight from the golden era of the greats that is still alive today. I hope Foreman stays healthy for many more years. Fraizer is gone, Norton is gone, Ali is gone, so many others all gone. I was lucky to be able to watch George Foreman in both of his careers.
Mike Tyson overlaps with that some, no? Even if you were to argue he wasn't quite in the golden age, I'd say he was just a golden age boxer born a wee bit late lol
Foreman still talks very surprisingly clear today! It’s very crazy with how many hard hitters he faced in his career, he’s legitimately built different.
@@lowestcommonDenomanatoranother heavy hitter who punished ppl was ron lyle he was also clearly articulate and healthy.. but suddenly something happened and he passed away
George Foreman has the greatest story in combat sports, in my opinion! From such humble beginnings to olympic gold, and becoming heavyweight champion not once, but twice, in two completely different and incredibly challenging eras? Not to mention his growth in character? Simply incredible
Watch his Olympic final bout, he absolutely wrecks a big nasty skilled Russian champ at the age of 19 & with only a year's training. Manny Steward said Foreman had the most potential of any heavyweight he ever saw, & regretted not getting to train him. He settled for Lennox lewis, but George was the one he wanted.
@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 Ali attempted to rematch Foreman in '77. Foreman refused the fight, opting to fight Jimmy Young, a fight which he lost and retired from. That's the reason George never got a rematch.
Met him a couple times shooting commercials with him. What an easy guy to work with. First time I met him I saw the size of his hands and said “you hit people with those”… he laughed and let me put my hands, which are basic hands of a 6 foot guy palm to palm with him. I looked like a muppet compared to him 🤣. Just a sweetheart to work with. Did some infomercial stuff with him later introducing the GF Grill. (not sure if I can use product names). I wish they had an out-take reel of that. Such a hard time getting through it every day as we all laughed most of the time. It’s infectious. A genuinely nice man.
when he gave a prime Holyfield all he could handle, the world knew he was legit. Holyfield is an all time great, top 20 on some lists....And in round 7 George Foreman nearly knocked him out.
Absolutely. George is, unquestionably, the real deal of all. He reminds me of a dear friend, who occasionally, in spite of his amazing charm, would be accosted by women he was dating, who repeatedly said to him: " I can't tell what's in your head!!!! What are you thinking right now????" And , he would reply, as I suspect George would: " You want to know what I'm thinking? Just ask me! Or just look into my eyes...." Bravo, Mr.Foreman!!! I was lucky to see what you accomplished. Thank you.
@@hughbarton5743are you saying "bravo mr foreman" for a comment you suspected he would say? Isnt it odd that your friend dated all these different "women", plural, who all said the same thing? Id find it odd to hear one woman said "i cant tell whats in your head!", what are the odds more than one would say the same whacky thing? And stranger still, your friends response was "look into my eyes and you will know" - sounds like something from star trek, did your buddy suspect these women had mind reading powers or some vulcan technique?
You don’t have to be black. You don’t have to be big. You don’t have to be a boxer. You don’t even have to be a Christian. You just have to be a human being for George Foreman to be an inspiration.
@@kingfloyd0001 Majority of people especially of Abrahamic faith feel the need to police other people's life and convert them in the name of getting them into heaven The non Abrahamic faiths are more chill in comparison Atheists are generally more open and nice in comparison . There are however a lot of self righteous reddit atheists But I would say there are more religious people who are pricks than non religious people who are pricks Besides who has more power in this world?Who is a majority? Who has committed religious based violence in the past and present? I have never heard much about violent atheists but I have definitely seen many violent religious people
When Ali dropped George Foreman I was 11 years old and I jumped up and yelled "Oh my God, he's got him!!" Nearly in tears. When George dropped Michael Moorer I was 31 and jumped up and yelled " Oh my God, he's got him!" Actually in tears. Both events were unbelieveable. Thanks George.
@@RainyDayBoxingThe commentary is always stupendous and very well articulated. I listen and watch your documentaries over and over again. Particularly this one and the Joe Frazier one. Top-notch ❤
As a man in my 40’s on the verge of the biggest victory of my life, George's story chokes me up. Reminds me that the long path of failure and and humiliation will pay if I don't stop fighting.
With Adonai Elohim Yeshua HaMessiah all faults can be overcome. There is nothing that cannot be dealt with, mimicked, hidden, or taken without Adonai Elohim coming to the aid of those that serve Adonai in Truth. Shalom, L'hllel, Amen.
Watching him in the 2nd part of his career stop himself from hitting his opponents when he saw they were hurt is amazing. He really didn’t want to hurt anyone he wasn’t just saying that.
If there was ever a boxer who could do irreparable damage with one unnecessary punch to a beaten opponent, it's George. He realized that he was capable of seriously injuring people and didn't want to do that, at least not in the comeback part of his career.
Not only did he purposely pull his punches, I've seen him verbally check on his opponents after a big combination.. sometimes you can see George mouthing things like, "sorry man, you ok?" while most fighters are trying to smack talk lol. I always loved Big George, if not just as a fighter but as a character as well🤣
for me the part that makes him so spooky, is just the pure ease he does throws such powerful blows. He doesn't grunt, he doesn't even look like he's putting a lot of energy into it
Big George Foreman's reaction when he just realized he knocked out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion gives Me chills to this Day.
@@prashantpatel453 Not to mention the d loss to Briggs. Much worse robbery and he just said” that fight is done, other battles to fight tomorrow” to paraphrase.
I'm always amazed when I see George Foreman. His punches look so effortless, as if he's not even trying. They don't LOOK heavy or painful. And then you see the strongest opponents just crumbling like sacks of potatoes and you realise how much power there must be in those arms.
@@kareemweaver7935I dunno. I would say it is easier to carry the momentum from heavy arms and heavy torso. That's where the power is coming from. The hand is just the end product. Some fighters have big hands and don't hit hard, Some have smaller hands and hit extremly hard. I also believe a lot has to do with wrists and forearms to take the heavy impacts. Also tied with training. I think what's really deceiving with foreman is he is so large, what appears to be effortless to us is raw poweforearms in. That is a mass thing from torso and forarms and the wrist being strong to stop buckling under impact.
The transformation George went through was absolutely inspiring. At 16:30 the transition from an angry young man to an altruistic, kind-hearted grown man is so powerful. "I hated him (Ali) and today I talk to him all the time. I love him now." This brought a tear to my eye. Truly moving and awesome.
He was fortunate that Ali never did to him what he did to Frazier. Fuckin despicable and personally while I'll never like Ali. People make mistakes in life but he never seemed to give a shit that he fucked Frazier afterJoe went out of his way to help and support him when he was pushed out of boxing.
@@zibtihaj3213 Ali took away everything from him in the blink of an eye. One moment you're the heavyweight champion of the world. And then in the next moment you're looking up at the lights.
A Big BIG MAN with an even BIGGER HEART. The greatest gift that George has shared with us is the inspiration of hope created by his conviction and faith.
@@chozusmakavelli his godlike ability to market george foreman georege foreman litreally has 300m same as andrew tate(a bit less cuz tate has a lot of assets) well his personality is a huge thing
Who doesn’t love George? His charisma and boxing skills were almost unsurpassed. The think that Foreman, Ali, Fraser were all competing the same era is legendary
Young Foreman's body was just absolutely insane. It's crazy to be that lean and be that big and he seems pretty natural too. He didn't have the quintessential big traps and oversized head of a juicer. It's amazing that at an old age he added and mastered the jab to open up the body for those wide sweeping body punches.
I always look at Big George as the Black Viking. He's built for some strongest man in the world stuff. He looks like a very tall powerlifter. Where they roll that 500lb ball up. Truthfully, I don't think I'm wrong. He's the total hoss of the heavyweight class. My daddy said that a hit from Foreman was like somebody hurling a grand piano at your mouth. This was the '70's, and he was so accurate.
George's personal and spiritual transformation is why I consider him the greatest ever. Because he didn't just have talent he had heart and showed all of us something we all can and should aspire to. It doesn't matter if your a boxer, teacher, solider, baker or a doctor, be like Big George. You don't have to be capable of violence and hate like so many heavyweights to be great.
The most fearsome beast ever on top of the Ring...yet the most amiable, likeable human being outside of it! Salute to MY greatest heavyweight boxer of all time! Great soul George!
@@RainyDayBoxing Truly. This hit all the right spots. I found myself enthralled for the entirety of the video. I only "snapped back to" after it ended and realized that nearly 30 minutes had passed.
this, this is what a legend looks like. from an unstoppable monster, being the champion of the world, to a broken man, to a pastor, and then... coming full circle to become the champion once again this time as a beloved figure !
I remembered the Sports Illustrated cover story back then reading "Fat,Foolish and Fourty". I followed he's comeback closely, and he proved even then that he was the hardest puncher the heavy weight division have ever seen. The speed was no longer there, but his positive spirit and attitude was a true inspiration. a Boxing great, and an incredible human being.
I met George after his first retirement when he was working as a greeter at a Las Vegas casino in the mid 1980's. He was such a nice guy and seemed completely happy. When I shook his hand, the thing I remember was that it was like shaking a catchers mit.
8:38 in his prime Joe Frazier was one of the absolute greatest boxers to ever lace-up gloves. The only ways he was beating was by a guy like Foreman who had unbelievable power... And by a perfect boxer with no flaws such as Muhammad Ali. Ali basically beat him on points, and George Foreman have the power to overcome Frazier's stamina and technique. If you were looking for the greatest champion who ever lived, it was a man who combined intelligence, power of punch, combination speeds, and ring mastery. That man was named Joe Louis.
@@paysonfox88 Well, brother how I am seeing it, some boxers are just perfect to beat certain others. So calling one the best is something that I would not do. Joe Louis tho was really amazing, because he was so good in everything. The embodyment of a Tyrone.
George 's story is one of inspiration to all people seeking to rise from small beginnings !!! A great man , yes , but ; a man with a truly loving heart for everyone !!!!
People underestimate Cooney as an opponent. The only boxers to beat Cooney were eventually heavyweight champions . He really was a great fighter and George destroying him was really the point that people realized Foreman's comeback was legit
@@poindextertunes Cooney was a very dangerous journeyman. He went through Ken Norton in about a minute, KOd Ron Lyle with a body punch . Cooney was mismanaged, brought up to fight competition he wasn't ready for just because he was Irish and white . The promoters saw a potential fan favorite for a certain group of boxing fans and moved him along irresponsibly.
What a story! I wasn't expecting that complete change in his personality. I literally cried. His transformation is smtn from a book. Unbelievable! Raw gem 🔥🔥
George Foreman's career is so interesting because he shows us how even when you achieve success and are seen as admirable for your abilities, you can still feel pressured by your environment to develop a persona that meets social expectations. It's tough to be someone you're not and its even harder to break out of a persona you've spent precious time building up. Life is about change and self-actualization. And I'm happy great boxers like Big George and Iron Mike were able to achieve that and more. Thanks for another great video Rainy, much love
Big George is hands down my favorite boxer of all time. He's a very kind and genuine dude. The fact that he can still articulate with eloquence showing literally zero effects from the sport is nothing short of a miracle. Great guy.
Don't think it's a coincidence that he was also never knocked out. Seems to be one of the things that can have a big impact on future brain health. As a lifelong boxing fan, also one of the things that sadly has pushed me away from watching the sport (and mma/ other contact sports). Foreman was my first favorite fighter though so had to click this video.
@@joenobody5913 I think he just had luck with that. James Toney was never knocked out too, or even Riddick Bowe, but watch them speak right now. George is literally blessed
I grew up with Foreman as the grill guy and he always seemed so charming and sweet but this documentary helped me realize he went through so much to become that man. He will go down as the one of most ferocious heavyweight champion to ever enter the ring because that footage of him in his prime looks like he was untouchable.
Started as a youthful offender, became a world champion boxer, found God and retired, dedicated his career earnings to helping others, came back to boxing at an age where most men retire, became champion AGAIN, retired with more money than before, continued helping people, endorsed a popular kitchen grill and then sold his stake for $300 million, still helps people. God bless him. One of the greatest in any sport.
Here here, you too right. He was and is a total inspiration. A truly redeemed soul. He has raised the bar and set a truly unique story with high quality and standards!
I absolutely love the way George describes knocking out Moore. "Not wanting to wail on him till he fell over, I instead pulled my right" Even in victory, George was being merciful. He only gave Moore a taste of the raw power Big George Foreman had.
"I am the danger I am the one to be afraid of.. definitely. I'm the one that could hit you and knock you unconcious" man I loved that! Not many fighters been to Hell and back! Man was just built different
I had a different prospective of him growing up. I always saw him on those Geroge Foreman Grill commercials. And he always came across as happy and friendly. While my dad would say…”he was some boxer!” And I never thought anything of it. As I gotten older. I learned more and more about him. And now after seeing his movie recently. It just goes to show you that anyone can rise from the ashes. And become something everyone could be proud of.
Same. I knew him from the grills (we even had one for a while) and the cameos of him and his daughter in King Of The Hill. I knew Foreman was a punching powerhouse but knew nothing of his past.
George might be considered even bigger than Ali in my opinion. Ali has shown the world how to take the path to victory enduring all downturns until reaching the top. George has shown the world that even when you are beaten and forced to bite the dust despite everybody think you are the best you can still find the path to enlighten your life and find happiness.
@@qdakid7776 Foreman is the first to say Ali is the greatest and he is the one who always get eyes wet when talking of the greatest. The point is that if we look from the perspective of being an "icon" what has achieved Foreman is so unique that you could even consider the option he has achieved more even than the undisputed greatest who is Muhammed Ali. A true champions should always set an example and teach a lesson in my opinion. Hence I would say that both of them are true champions
@@nicolagianaroli2024u said George might be considered larger which is absolutely false ali could be considered one of if not the largest athlete of all time
God showed him twice how to be a man. Before boxing when he was at his lowest... he had to reach rock bottom in order to want to change. Then again when he lost to Ali. I'm glad that he eventually found God and showed the world His love.
I really do love theses documentaries, they're so well done. It's amazing how one can tell that George had change with just the expression on his face, two different persons. thank you for keeping the legends alive
Ali did Foreman a tremendous favour . He enabled George to find himself and and come back a better person and a better fighter . I have massive respect for him.
He also did a great job in ruining Joe Fraziers life after Frazier helped him out by helping support him financially when he wasn't allowed to fight. Ali wasn't some angel. Also that rope a dope nonsense was some bullshit, strategy my ass.
@@joenobody5913ol the rope a dope was the ultimate strategic move. Basically Ali using his own advantages and foremen’s punching power against him. Also Fraziers life wasn’t ruined; he was a world champ and even had his son become a boxer. You also might want to say why Ali wasn’t allowed to fight. Because he refused to fight in a illegal war in the process losing his prime boxing years and facing jail time. That type of integrity by athletes doesn’t even exist today.
George is great! My favorite match of his was against Ron Lyle. Both men just unloaded on each other with punches and George prevailed. It showed the kind of heart he had as a boxer. He didn't give up in this match and didn't give up on his dreams! Go George!! He makes a pretty darn good grill too! 🙂🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍👍
spot on sir! love that slugfest, watched it 25 times at least with different people. Love big George my fav fighter of all time. Iron Mike 2nd. Vitali K 3rd for me.
“The trap was set George Foreman fell into it” Moments before George Forman got knocked down 11:15 “The trap was set Michael Moorer fell into it” Moments before Michael Moorer got knocked down 24:21
I liked George throughout his career, beginning with the Olympics. I hated it when he lost to Ali. To see him mature into the man who won the heavyweight crown the second time was a pleasure and a privilege.
I was a kid in high school when I watched George blow away Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, both inside of 2 rounds. I never saw such a big, scary dude morph into someone so likeable and at peace with himself. But I think he impressed me more than any other athlete in his post fight interview following his final fight. He had clearly won against Shannon Briggs, but the judges gave it to Briggs. Nonetheless, he seemed genuinely okay with it. "The judges said he won and I'm not gonna stand up here and cry about it. I congratulate the man and wish him all the best." It seemed to bother Larry Merchant more than George, and I couldn't get over how much of a class act he was. This happened right around the time Roberto Alomar spit on an umpire and Dennis Rodman kicked a cameraman and I thought, "This is how a role model behaves." Good video. I watched it during my lunch break.
@@nicolagianaroli2024 Mike Tyson has done something similar imo. Scariest man on the planet to the emotional/lovable man he is now. Although I have seen episodes of Mike's podcast where he seems pretty out of it on shrooms; especially the Khabib interview.
Yeah he conquered alright. He conquered our hearts and minds with his charisma. Pretty amazing individual as I saw him fight when I was a young boy then later as an adult.
The production level of this channel is the best on RU-vid by a mile. These documentaries do justice to these legendary warriors we idolise so much. Thank you
People today don't realize how big a win Ali's defeat of Foreman was in the Rumble in the Jungle. At the time of the fight, Foreman seemed absolutely unbeatable: he was so big, so strong, and had just destroyed people before meeting Ali. When he beat Frazier, Foreman looked like a grown man beating up a little kid. He was Godzilla. Meanwhile, Ali was older, had suffered losses, and people were actually afraid that George would literally kill Muhammed or give him permanent brain damage. I was in sixth grade when they fought. Ali was always my favorite HW boxer, but I didn't think he had a chance. When I heard that Ali had knocked him out, I couldn't believe it.
i've always heard about earnie shavers' hitting power, but i've never seen a man like george that could just hit through an opponents block and still land a decent blow. he's been through quite a life journey, and i'm pleased to see he seems at peace.
