“I was snatched out of my body,” Legendary boxer George Foreman’s ‘near-death’ experience in locker room made him born-again Christian
George Foreman is known as a devout Christian. The former fighter recalls a story that caused him to take the path of Christianity
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George Foreman had a spiritual awakening (Image Sources - God Reports/Ring Magazine)
Retired American boxer George Foreman is one of the best boxers to step into a ring. The heavyweight fighter’s explosive and measured power punches earned the respect of his opponents. His intimidating presence alongside his boxing ability made Foreman a terrifying opponent. The retired fighter amassed a record of 76 wins and five losses in his professional career.
George Foreman is also known for incorporating religious beliefs into his endeavors. He is a devout Christian who has revealed his true belief in faith. Prior to his anticipated bout against Jimmy Young, the boxer experienced a spiritual awakening. The former heavyweight champion can also be witnessed preaching at different places about his trust in the religion.
The former boxer had narrated the spiritual experience that made him a devout Christian on a talk show. George Foreman said, “I fought Jimmy Young and I had just lost, just a decision. It wasn’t a tough fight or anything. I saw that I had lost and I went back into the dressing room.” He then went on to say, “I had always prayed to god. I believed there was god somewhere.” “When I left that dressing room, I was screaming the name of Jesus. I was snatched out of my body,” said George Foreman.
“I was snatched right out of that place and taken to another place of life and back into my body. I started screaming. [George Foreman said to himself] That’s alright I’m dying for God,” said Foreman. He said, “I saw death. I saw the whole world crumble behind me and all I had was nothing.” The former heavyweight boxer recalled his out-of-body experience on the talk show and felt like he saw death.
George Foreman reveals the only fighter he feared
George Foreman was a phenomenal fighter in his prime. His power and speed put the lights out for his opponents in the ring. Part of Foreman’s greatness comes from his intimidating figure both inside and outside the boxing ring. His physical presence was part of the reason for his victory against his opponents.
Despite the vicious boxing ability and intimidating presence, there was one opponent Foreman feared. The man who managed to frighten George was ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier. He was a fast and fiery puncher who had brutal power in all his hits. George Foreman revealed that he was scared of Joe Frazier ahead of their much-anticipated fight in 1973.
“I remember Joe Frazier. He was the toughest guy I had ever seen. Smokin’ Joe Frazier, my mother watched him fight on television and he hit a guy so hard, the guy turned his back. I kept thinking I want to be the champ of the world but I sure hope Joe Frazier dies. When it was time to fight Joe Frazier, and I knew, If you hit him, he liked it. And, if you miss him, he’d just get upset,” said George Foreman to David Letterman.
“I am thinking what am I gonna do?” recalls Foreman on the fight against Joe Frazier. “I had this habit of staring guys down. I look them in the eye to psych them out. If they drop their head, I knew I had an advantage. But, I was hoping Joe Frazier wouldn’t drop his head because my knees were shaking,” said George Foreman recalling their face-off before the fight.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)