CNBC Titans: George Foreman (Enhanced DVD)

CNBC explores the life of George Foremen starting from his time as a street thug in Houston to his rise to become the world’s heavyweight boxing champion. Foreman fought against Muhammad Ali in 1974 in one of the most famous fights in history called the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Even though Foreman was favored, Muhammad Ali won the fight held in Zaire, Africa.

Foreman was devastated, but worked his way back to being the number one contender. Then he had a spiritual awakening and began to preach on street corners, becoming a minister in 1978. He used all his savings to open the George Foreman Youth & Community Center to help at-risk youth.

Spending ten years retired from boxing, meant he was out of shape and overweight. Nevertheless, he decided to make a comeback. When he was thirty-eight years old, he re-entered the boxing ring during 1987. Four years later, in 1991 he would fight Evander Holyfield for the world heavyweight championship. He lost the fight, but everyone was impressed by his performance, so much so he gained lucrative endorsement deals from major sponsors.

In 1994, he had another chance at the world heavy weight championship, when he fought Michael Moorer. He was trailing in points for the first ten rounds, but then as the crowd cheered him on, he knocked Michael Moorer out to win the bout. He was the oldest heavyweight world champion in history at the age of forty-five.

After that, he made a fortune selling the George Foreman grill in television infomercials. Because of his celebrity endorsement and appearance in the infomercials, the grill sold over 100 million units. Foreman cashed in to the tune of $137.5 million when he sold his rights in the grill to Salton Company. Now he continues his work with under-privileged kids at his community center.

CNBC Titans: George Foreman

• Enhanced DVD
• ISBN: 978-1-62102-285-5
• Run Time: 44 Minutes
• Copyright Date: 2010
• CC