George Foreman is one of the best-known faces in the world. Today, like a number of other celebrities, he’s famous for his appearances in commercials, but he first found fame as a brilliant boxer.

Nicknamed “Big George”, the man who went on to become two-time heavyweight champion of the world was one of seven children. Raised by a single mother from the age of 5, Foreman grew up an angry young man, and while running from the police, he remembered a TV ad for the Job Corps Association, which helped young people turn their lives around. Foreman signed up.

Even when he got to California, where the JCA was based, the 6-foot-1 sixteen-year-old attracted trouble. When he was constantly getting into fights, a counselor suggested he work off some of his aggression by taking up boxing. It was a move that turned Foreman’s life around, and today, the retired star is living a good life.

Foreman Was A Natural Fighter

Through boxing Foreman found a way to channel his strength and earn a living from it. In what was only his 25th amateur fight, he won the gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. In much the same way as Suni Lee's life was changed after the Tokyo Olympics, so was Foreman's. He turned pro, and five years later, became the World heavyweight champion, beating Joe Frazier for the title.

George Foreman Fell Into Bankruptcy

After retirement from boxing, George later returned due to financial issues. But he also explored other paths, including commercials.

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When he was asked to endorse a grill that made less fatty food, Big George signed on. The collaboration was a massive success. Foreman had negotiated 45% of the grill’s profits; and sometimes received as much as $8 million in a single month from sales.

Today Foreman is a minister and author and is worth an incredible $300 million, but he's not nearly as flashy with his spending as fellow retired boxers like Floyd Mayweather. He still believes in the culture of hard work, an ethic he’s engendered in his 12 children.

George Loves Being A Dad

In 2008 Foreman become a star on the small screen when his reality series Family Foreman debuted on the cable channel TV Land. Viewers were amazed to learn that the Ex -Boxer, who has been married 5 times, had 10 biological and 2 adopted children, who all seem to be industrious adults with their own impressive net worths.

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All five of his sons are named George Edward Foreman. Their famous father says he wanted to give them something no one could ever take away from them. They are George Jr., George III (“Monk”), George IV (“Big Wheel”), George V (“Red”), and George VI (“Little Joey”).

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Even one of Foreman's seven daughters is named after him; Georgetta carries the female version of his name. The businessman's late daughter Freeda had the middle name of George. Their sisters are named Natalia, Leola, Michi, Isabella, and Courtney.

Some Of Foreman’s Kids Followed Him Into The Boxing World

George III didn’t start boxing until his teenage years. When he retired, he co-founded the EverybodyFights boxing and fitness luxury gym. Today he is the executive vice president of George Foreman Enterprises.

Freeda also followed in her father’s footsteps and became a professional boxer. According to some reports, her father didn’t support her initial decision, first telling her to get a degree, which she did. Despite her early successes in the ring, she retired from the sport in 2001.

Sadly she passed away in 2019 at the age of 42. Her death was reported to be self-inflicted.

Foreman Supports All His Kids Equally

Foreman's children have all made their own way in life, some keeping their lives private, others sometimes working alongside their famous dad.

Natalia began singing in her father’s church when she was four years old, often accompanied by her father on his guitar. She went on to become the lead vocalist of HHLTD, before embarking on a solo career as a country artist.

Georgetta has worked as a television producer on shows like Divorce Court (1999), Beyond the Glory(2001), America’s Court (2010) and The Verdict (2016). George Jr is also a producer and has worked with his dad on Foreman, a documentary that showcased details of George Foreman’s Life.

Leola graduated from Texas Southern University graduate, and is a conservative feminist stand-up comedian. George IV featured on the second season of the reality television show American Grit, finishing seventh. He is also involved in his Dad's business, working as Sports Manager for the company,

Isabella resides in Sweden and has been blogging as BellaNeutella since 2010.

Big George Has Set A Great Example For His Kids

Although he once joked “My kids’ idea of a hard life is to live in a house with only one phone,” he’s taught his children the value of hard work. While they haven’t wanted for anything since he made his big money, Foreman is proud that he’s raised his kids with strong morals. His official website reads: “Our job as fathers is to plant good seeds and be an example."

In 2008, he released his 10th book, Fatherhood By George: Hard-Won Advice on Being a Dad. In press interviews, Foreman said that being a loving, fully present father takes courage. “One thing I’m most proud of, in my heart, are my children,” he told CBN.

Does He Share His Fortune With His Kids?

As a result of the difficulties he faced growing up, Foreman has been determined to give his kids a better deal in life, and they have always been quick to say he has been a good father to them. The Foreman kids have each had a great relationship with their dad.

In interviews, Georgetta has told how despite having so many kids, her dad would make each one of them feel special and “... always took time to get to know who we were and who we are now.”

Whether they get a share in his money or not, George Foreman has given his children many gifts that are worth their weight in gold. And the lessons and love he's imparted will continue with his 13 grandchildren and three great grandkids.

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