George Foreman | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union

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A two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist boxer, George Foreman made two successful title defences before losing to Muhammad Ali in ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ in 1974, which has been described as “arguably the greatest sporting event of the 20th Century”. He was unable to secure another title, and retired following a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977. He has since become an ordained Christian Minister, author, and entrepreneur, widely known for his promotion of the George Foreman Grill.
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[@GuyFromTheSouth]

It makes me happy to see foreman with all his faculties in order

[@wadegoodwin6773]

Absolutely, seems they all lose it and start slurring eventually........

[@Kashmachine10]

@@wadegoodwin6773 theres many old people who go senile or lose their mental capacity without ever receiving head trauma

[@kyyyni]

@@wadegoodwin6773 Obiviously not every one of them. It actually has a lot to do with genetics. The unlucky ones could get progressive neurodegenerative disease from absorbing far less punishment than George.

[@siddharthbirdi]

George is a genetic specimen.

[@astront917]

wonderful to listen to, my dad used to love boxers of this era,always telling me how great they were, dad came to england in 62 from italy with nothing but a carrier bag with some clothes in, he worked hard in the shoe factory for 50 years to give us a house and a good life, now taken from us, rest in peace dad, a champion just like george.

[@ianmarsden1130]

Your Dad was right. About the boxers and in himself. A man who goes beyond what is expected of him is one of the greatest.

[@DB-er-Handle2019]

they were. A bit late response, but true.

[@jeffreyday4004]

he held that audience and myself included, you could hear a pin drop, a fascinating and engaging legend and the size of those hands!

[@lightninggaming016]

Ya those hands held nuclear missiles when he was younger and 45

[@failuretocommunicate8690]

From the scariest fighter in the 5th ward to the nicest guy in the world. That's George Foreman.

[@dfwboxingisback9173]

Real shit. I'm from Texas, I'm just a few years younger than Big George...but we ALWAYS knew about him. I go to my grave saying that I've never seen a transition in life (i.e. two different people) than Big George. In the end, he'll go to HIS grave, knowing he did more good than wrong.

[@SirOrganic]

Amen bro.

[@brainsareus]

many say it's a bit of an act..I don't think he is a bad guy, but I do also think he's a bit full of it.

[@cruelleader4782]

@what. nbba yeah he just scary in ring staring people,intimidate

[@rexrogers1859]

@@brainsareus So in other words, he's human.

[@8dioproductions]

What an amazing story - George is amongst the greatest. There doesn't have to be just one. Let's just call them all - the greatest!

[@whenyourout]

totally agree, without the other greats it would be a lesser achievement What a time Foreman, Frazier, Ali and Norton. Plus Gerry Quarry, John Tate etc etc amazing

[@brainsareus]

among

[@codytessier1168]

@@brainsareus I bet you're a blast at parties.

[@paullangton-rogers2390]

Ali was the 3 times heavy weight champion that takes some doing. He had the charisma and personality, and intellect that brought boxing to the mainstream public...when he came to the UK in the 1970's it was like a major major celebrity like Michael Jackson arriving. All these heavyweight champs are great in their own way but really they all were in the shadow of Ali... Tyson was the next heavyweight to open a new era of boxing and create the same level of international attention as Ali had brought.

[@Reznick]

Genius, inside and outside the ring. All hail King George!

[@lukemccann]

Reznick love him. 🥊🥊👍🏼

[@biancagadi786]

RINK not ring

[@tarstarkusz]

He's talking a whole lot of shit. It's kind of a humble-brag. To hear him tell the story, he went from a bum to the Olympics without trying and completely faked his way, without ever trying, to beating Joe Frazier. That did not happen.

[@MrMungin81]

All hail Jesus Christ because Jesus Christ is the reason for the success he enjoy today.

[@juliekelliher8259]

agree 100% !!!!! if you look up heavyhanded in the dictionary you would see a picture of big George Foreman

[@Learninghowtodougie]

From thief, mugger, wild puncher, to olympic gold medalist, boxing world champ, businessman, and orator.

[@edwinjones1000]

He spoke at my high school (Shortridge in Indianapolis) right after he won the Olympics in 1968. He was waving an American flag when he came on stage. He was not popular with blacks because the Vietnam war was killing blacks AND, at the same time, Muhammed Ali resisted the draft. It is amazing that two totally different fighters on two totally different life missions would achieve the same level of notoriety and respect from ALL peoples. I'm glad I was around to witness it all. I just wish the younger men in my neighborhood could have seen what hard work and persistence could have done for them.

[@FreddyTams]

After Ali....and Tyson....I think I love George next

[@goldenrules5697]

Preacher

[@scottybroker]

@@edwinjones1000 Good observation

[@edwinjones1000]

@@scottybroker Thanks. The 60's were the best of times and also the worst of times.

[@muslimsoldier5670]

I'm amazed by his skills of speech !!

[@joshuatree5620]

@@nomobjustice they entertained us,by getting used as a punching bag.so credit to Foreman for still being in good condition.

[@jumalakohtuotsus4174]

@@joshuatree5620 he's unique

[@MrBrownstick]

Such a humble man. Fantastic Speech.

[@CraigMansfield]

I'm amazed that he felt fear, I thought he was a monster. Nobody mentioned that his grill, is one of the most successful endorsed products in the history of America. He earned something like $150m from it. For a man to be the heavyweight champion, the oldest ever heavyweight champion, fight monsters like Ali and Foreman (and Norton who was known as the hardest puncher, with Lyle) and still have clear speech, AND millions in the bank; the man is something of a phenomenon (baby).

[@sugarsean5866]

Jonathan Bowen Foreman asked investors to invest in his grill and they laughed at him. They stopped laughing when he Bacame a millionaire for the 150th time

[@DutchVanHelsing]

I hope he got more than $1 a grill...He was ripped off if he didn't..

[@milojanis4901]

@@DutchVanHelsing If you guarantee me $1 for each sale of any product, and I end up with 150 million, you can call me ripped off, or anything you want every day for the rest of your life. I'll cry all the way to the bank.....

[@j.r.8592]

@@milojanis4901 he made a mountain of money being "ripped off"🤣🤣🤣.

[@kofihayford9424]

You want to say fight monsters like Ali and Frazier not Foreman?

[@imhereforthesarcasm8097]

One of the most spectacular lectures I have had the pleasure to listen to.

[@warrenbfeagins]

The SENSATIONAL 70's. The era of THE greatest heavyweights. George was unquestionably one of them.

[@frankdebrino4213]

Preach. Jesus. Brother. God good

[@appearce55]

The thing I like about these Oxford Union speeches is that although the audience may not be interested in boxing (in this case), they still get the opportunity to hear the life stories of influential and extraordinary people. They can take whatever lessons and motivation they need from the life of someone completely different to them.

[@patfo4129]

a man touched by greatness, failure, grace and victory. He becomes wise and grateful and gracious. A true champion

[@hughgrection4205]

Wonderfully said

[@victorestrella2641]

if i could give him a million likes ,i'd do it , most humble guy that i've ever seen,he always speak wisely.

[@SirOrganic]

The Last man standing.

[@miked2593]

Dave Simons amen to that. I hope Big George lives a very long life. He is the last link to my childhood heros.

[@nahajaburgess6816]

Ik this is a year old but this made my heart dropped because it's true...

[@TheKickboxingCommunity]

How about earnie shavers??

[@cheapcharlie8407]

It's the grills lol

[@jumalakohtuotsus4174]

@@TheKickboxingCommunity Not influential.

[@thescorpionking2020]

He is a very inspirational guy.....from a fierce fighter to being such a nice guy. WOW! Hope he illuminates us with his presence for many more decades to come....

[@bishopdr.harrisd.walters.4350]

Hi Geogrge.I am pastor from India. A am great fan of Ali, but I love you and respect you.your testimony realy inspired me. I asked my children to listen to you.MAY GOD USE YOU MORE AND MORE FOR HIS GLORY.

[@cavdragoon]

What a tremendous human being and inspiration

[@maxxwellbeing5208]

There aren't to many real inspirational heros like George Foreman. He was not only a great boxer, he was and still is a great man proving that you can do anything that you put your mind to... I never tire watching and listening to this man. The man is a hero to himself, his family and the rest of us who have had the privilege to experience his greatness.

[@wadegoodwin6773]

I respect you even more than I have ever done after watching you here George. I salute you Sir. Wade Goodwin, The FAIR Digest, South Africa

[@Lousy_Bastard]

Loved every minute, love watching anything to do with George. He is a class human.

[@chrisulfen8775]

What a phenomenal speaker. George Foreman is such a class act.

[@kevinmoor26]

George is a friendly, amusing appliance salesman. In the ring, he was the most vicious and hardest puncher who ever existed. He had an amazing 86 professional fights and nine out of ten men who stood in front of him were beaten senseless. A unique individual.

[@jch292]

How amazing would it have been if Ali could have done one of these today.

[@mstrunn]

+jch Ali did do this many times when he could not fight, he spoke to some of the most prestigious colleges in the US and, is the only speaker to receive a standing ovation @ Harvard U in 1975.

[@miniman2132]

"The loudest man in the world, silenced. The fighter that could not be felled by the mightiest of punches, ultimately succumbing to their cumulative effect with a lifetime sentence. In the long quiet hereafter of those post ring years however, Muhammad Ali didn't have to say anymore. He had already made an impact worthy of a thousand lives. He had already communicated so much to so many more than any one man would dare dream."

[@CaptainBlaine]

Assuming he ever would have grown out of his adolescent, taunting, womanizing behavior.

[@slidymctuesday5711]

@MUFC who cares. Boxing is great. Listen to George Foreman and his story instead of watching the clubs slowly erode over time. Teams change, but fighters stay the same.

[@cobano]

@@CaptainBlaine don't care he's still the greatest of all time. Foreman admits this

[@charleswife]

This came on by accident while auto-play was on and to my surprise, I enjoyed it❗ I ended up watching the entire video.

[@sugarsean5866]

Ms Jaye mé too

[@Isleofskye]

Me Three :)

[@derrickboomer8531]

@@Isleofskye me 4444

[@Sam-gw5pl]

@@derrickboomer8531 me 5

[@TotallyNoCat]

I fucking love Big George man. The greatest!

[@Bryant1963]

Love old George!! He is very inspirational!!

[@alexchea7150]

this is big George story. I like this guy . one of boxing great. a true fighter n a legend . a proud African American.

[@jedus007]

George is so full of humor, wit, humbleness, honest, full of wisdom, this indeed was a great man who enlightened the World of Boxing. Great guy George! I did not have a George Foreman grill but after seeing this I did go find one .

[@funstuff5760]

George, you one of a kind and one heck of a story teller. I could listen to you all day.

[@JBthree24]

BIG George Foreman: the heaviest puncher of all time... 76-5 record with 68 KOs

[@TheWorldTeacher]

Only ONE of those five losses was a "real" loss, according to George.

[@marcelprimes]

Don’t forget Ernie Shavers!

[@dezombificator6167]

Ron Lyle says Ernie Shaver hit hardest that George Foreman !

[@1981lashlarue]

@@dezombificator6167 I believe that Larry Holmes said Shavers hit the hardest too. Holmes is probably in the best position of just about anybody to say that too since he fought Shavers, Gerry Cooney, and Mike Tyson.

[@jimmygreen4325]

@@1981lashlarue Holmes wasn't a massive puncher

[@KnockoutBen]

I thought that was bloody brilliant, really enjoyed the whole thing.

[@PIANOBYMAURICE]

Excellent video. I love listening to George, a man of great wisdom.

[@lukemccann]

My favourite sportsman of all time 🥊🥊👍🏼

[@frankpavan7865]

I almost feel like crying when I hear him speak about his life. I don't know why.

[@rajeswaranrajeevan]

What an inspirational man

[@colintanmh]

I don't know why but when he said he set up his youth centre for the kids, tears came to my eyes. And I am not the type to do this. Incredible man and such a privilege to listen to him.

[@stephengiese7549]

What a treat. This guy is very entertaining. He uses humor to make a point. He speaks very well. I have never seen a guest stand here to speak right away without being asked a question. He knows when to use emotion. This man is a success story. Thanks Oxford and utube.

[@hichsonmcthebe9669]

What a Wonderful Human being.

[@mylajames9299]

I have much love for Mr George Foreman. We are blessed to be walking the earth with people like him. Im glad i got to live during his lifetime.

[@donjuan7324]

They dont make men like this anymore A mans man Brilliant man George foreman for AMERICAN PRESIDENT .......YES

[@guygranger7894]

Greatness AND humility .. God bless George.

[@theronenglish576]

Just to see George's transformation from then to now is very inspiring. I remember those fights and me and my son stayed up and listened to the Rumble in the Jungle. He is a great man.

[@shourov4637]

He was never less than Ali or Frazier as a boxer; moreover he is an Olympic gold medalist and a very very successful entrepreneur. Yet how humble he is !! We have got so much to learn from this great. No doubt he is not just a national treasure for the US; he is a treasure to the world.

[@ppuh6tfrz646]

To say he wasn't less than Ali as a boxer is simply ludicrous.

[@sydneywalsh3858]

Amen!

[@sydneywalsh3858]

Amen to ‘ he is a world treasure’ comment😊

[@aq4623]

What a great man, long live big George.

[@therebelmethod1520]

Amazing. This is why i want to be successful. To give hope to the hopeless.

[@unitedstatesofavalon6760]

Wonderful human with the greatest quality of humbleness in the bucket load.. To think he had those doubts whilst fighting frazier is a revelation.. He had the aura of a machine.. You are a true legend George. Thank you for all the memories..

[@jonclif1]

An inspirational speaker and an inspirational man. I hope the audience benefited, although they are unsurprisingly perhaps not boxing fans, but I hope some of them gained something from his brilliant talk. Not many can do what George did on this day, especially without notes or PPT.

[@pazuzu7779]

I love George Foreman. He exudes such kindness and joy, I wish I could meet him.

[@DorianLS]

What humanity. Amazing guy. And nice to see that he's still in good shape and, as always, doing good work.

[@hughgrection4205]

When roly poly George announced his comeback it was a source for laughter. I remember the great Larry Holmes saying something to the effect that "You may laugh but George is the only guy out there that will take your head off with both fists". I have watched the video of George's comeback more than a dozen times as it always fills me full of joy. I would love to shake his hand.

[@ghanirabii7379]

I was 14 years in your primes. At that time i heard only three big boxers Foreman Ali and Joe. I am from Morocco. You are a living legend. God bless you.

[@MatsonRuddell]

How could anyone give this a thumbs down

[@davec5657]

Wow great story and speaker.

[@chrisshaw9836]

LOVE THIS GUY

[@earlwilliams9024]

Ali was the first and only one to school him ,, but he was the biggest boxer in his time ,, Ron Lyle and George was the best fight I've seen brilliant

[@markrobertson3015]

i love George too but lets not forget about Jimmy Young and Tommy Morrison, they both did well against George

[@joshuatree5620]

@@markrobertson3015 not really,considering the age gap.an old man took them the distance.if that was a young foreman they would of both got knocked out.

[@markrobertson3015]

@@joshuatree5620 Foreman was in absolute prime age when Jimmy Young outboxed him. He is the reason for his first retirement

[@roadsscholar4012]

A very sincere, honest gentleman. A true Champ!

[@Ben77769]

One of my biggest idols!!!

[@MuhammadAliGOAT]

Amazing. Thank you!! Those were the days.

[@973walid]

@Valayar Checkpost E. Holyfield is the real warrior 🐐

[@marsattacks7071]

Champ George ! We love you !

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

I love this man! Inspirational to me!

[@rufaiisa9528]

George has a tremendous sense of humor,and he sounds real,he tells all the stories of his life,very motivating.l watch many of his many close gathering with Ali, smoking Joe,as organised by variousTv show ,he always stole the show, making it colourful,and appears not to hold any of these boxers who were his rivals then, with any animosity.He is simple and humble.kudo to the two time world heavyweight champ.

[@ThisGuy4]

George Foreman putting his movie on a plate! What a guy! Amazing!

[@usama3484]

What a down to Earth humble gentleman The Only hard hitting Big George "The Great"

[@DaveOzoalor]

75 fights, 68 KOs. This is legendary. Deontay Wilder is at 41 fights, 38 KOs.

[@markrobertson3015]

Deontay is flying under the radar but he has a shot at being one the all time greats especially with Mark Breland working in his corner

[@peterpana3176]

@mike force that's correct

[@y2king32]

@@markrobertson3015 all of you idiots know zero about boxing ,, deontay wilder would of just been.a tune up fight vs all the great boxers in the 90s heavyweight division is pure trash now been for years

[@ipaporod]

Wilder have not fought anyone of the caliber of Ali, Norton, Frazier and Holyfield in their primes.Foreman is way ahead in opponents caliber.

[@franciseveringham8202]

Ali

[@alexandrianik3572]

I love George Foreman😘😘😘😘

[@stephendeluca4479]

I'm glad he mentioned that Ron Lyle fight. It's one of the most exciting heavyweight fights I've ever seen. He showed a lot of heart in that one.

[@mrmoofle]

Love how humble he is, saying that Lyle beat on him so hard that he ended up fainting. George pounded him into oblivion in the fifth round. THAT'S when he "fainted." Probably one of the best heavyweight matches of the era. I believe Ring Magazine named it Fight of the Year.

[@oodigower]

FANTASTIC!!

[@Adam-xd8df]

seeing in the wring and seeing him here talking like that ,it's crazy what a nice guy he's

[@virvisquevir3320]

That's beautiful, Goerge. Thank you.

[@whyugotnocase]

Delighted and surprised how much I enjoyed hearing this. Thank you!

[@RappyMcRapperson]

Legend ! Thank you for this !

[@truthyruth]

Man of all seasons..inspiring.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

What an absolute privilege to hear this man speak. A true legend of Sport

[@nabinattaj6986]

You're truly a genius, sweet, inspiring man for ever George, and really frank when you're talking about those old days. love you so much!

[@davidclarke4312]

What a privilege these students experienced, I was in a charity shop a few weeks back, said hello to a man in his 60's, we had both been looking at the 2nd hand dvds etc, a bit of a conversation started and I ended up listening to his journey in life, his working life, his hobbies etc I had very little input which is rare for me as I'm in my early 40's and got plenty to say 😉 but just like listening to George I couldn't help myself but soak in what he had to say. Unlike George though this man wasn't famous for what he accomplished, yet his words I found just as compelling. It tells me that all of us have a journey that is just as important to be told and listened too. If there is one regret I have in my life is not listening to the experience and wisdom of my elders, they knew all that I didn't, I could of avoided so much pain if I hadn't of been so prideful and arrogant to think I could do what my elders couldn't. The hardest lesson I ever learnt yet not one of my elders ever told me I told you so. So my advice to anyone who is interested and can take the real value from George and others from our older generations, Don't stop listening, so much can be learnt! Respect to those who managed to listen and apply that wisdom.

[@81Fitzerz]

Every child in school should have a lesson as this

[@cruznewz6396]

Great Story

[@favourspapatv]

This man is smart and a great story teller,I love listening to his jokes,I love George . Welcome to 🇰🇪

[@WormWorld94]

Gorge forman is a true legend. God bless you Sir .

[@richyearle007]

Wow,that was good.Thanks for sharing.

[@maxwilson4748]

Just about every American has his 'George Foreman grill' somewhere in their home today.

[@tim_the_gr8_904]

Used it earlier, great for thin cut chicken.

[@afulle02]

How long did it take to complete that thought Max?

[@ednan9]

George Forman is an amazing man and story of his life is truly inspirational. Its what one can achieve from nothing- that inspires me & hope it inspires other. He once made a true statement that boxing is for boxers and Mohammed Ali was more than a boxer- well Sir its true boxing is for boxer and George Forman you are more than a boxer

[@TomBTerrific]

If you’re from a poor family, feel that your life is without hope listen to George. You may not have his abilities, size and or strength but if that’s all you see and hear you’re missing the message. We are all given some special strength or abilities that are yours to use. Find yourself and fear not. You have nothing to lose.

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

Great man, great fighter. From the back streets, to ring tough guy, to the greatest comeback ever, to addressing the world's most prestigious university....

[@RBG9000]

one must always listen to people like these to shatter all the self-entitlement people feel nowadays. this guy made himself from nothing!

[@nkel6111]

I think he hasn't even got his associates degree/….as of today

[@joexuereb5036]

George is an inspiration to us all. He achieved greatness and yet remained humble. God bless you George.

[@K2shadowfax]

Brilliant!

[@scotth9857]

I met Foreman when he came to Yorktown, Va for a Meineke promotional event in 2004. He’s such a nice guy... he’s just like what you see here.. genuinely likeable. From his violent youth to now.. what a great life journey. My favorite pro athlete of all time.

[@chrisbennett606]

Brilliant loved listening to that speech from big George foreman A real pleasure and treat

[@Bassguitar1231]

new subscriber , excellent, interesting and motivational video , george foreman represents all which is good, thank you and all the best to all from manhattan, new york city, usa !

[@andrewhinds6302]

Great speech. Very humbling

[@tellthetruthg]

Love his spirit

[@hamishmacleod352]

WHAT A LEGEND!

[@patricksargent1399]

your a good man I look up to am down in life thanks for sharing u with me

[@alishahzad2008]

Amazing !!!

[@lenedfm499]

a great man

[@visionlandmusic]

God bless George!

[@squamish4244]

I think George is being modest when he talks about his fight with Frazier. He barely broke a sweat as he methodically dismantled Frazier in one of the most incredible displays of punching power ever in boxing. He looked repeatedly at Frazier's corner during the knockdowns to see if his manager would throw in the towel, and at one point he even said, "Stop it or I'm going to kill him." Now, obviously Frazier was very, very tough - but at no point before or during the fight did Foreman look even mildly afraid. As for his fight with Ali, there was a reason Ali never fought him again. Ali knew that Foreman would not fall for the same 'going to the ropes' trick twice, and ducked a rematch because Foreman would have demolished him.

[@MrMike-oc6dr]

Foreman definitely would have fought Ali differently in the rematch. Foreman didn't fight Ali the way his trainer and adviser's recommended. He would have taken the heavyweight crown back in a rematch.

[@jimmygreen4325]

@@MrMike-oc6dr we'll never know

[@MrMike-oc6dr]

@@jimmygreen4325 True, It's just my opinion of who would win.

[@jimmygreen4325]

@@MrMike-oc6dr and I respect your opinion

[@barryf3395]

Bullshit..a rematch would have ended with Ali winning again. Too much experience, class, ring intelligence and able to adapt to changes in style would prove decisive. Foreman fought Ron Lyle who didn't go to the ropes and lost to Jimmy young who never went to the ropes, those fights came after Ali/Foreman and both lost to Ali.