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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[dioproductions]

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!

[astront]

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.

[jeffreyday]

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

[bishopdr.harrisd.walters.]

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.

[GuyFromTheSouth]

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

[patfo]

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

[Reznick]

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

[thescorpionking]

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

[DougieFresh]

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

[appearce]

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.

[maxxwellbeing]

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.

[wadegoodwin]

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

[victorestrella]

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

[warrenbfeagins]

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

[funstuff]

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

[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).

[Learninghowtodougie]

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

[cavdragoon]

What a tremendous human being and inspiration

[stephengiese]

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.

[chrisulfen]

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