Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World

A young George Foreman (Khris Davis) struggles to make ends meet in poverty-stricken Houston, Texas, during the 1960s, sharing a meager existence with his siblings, Mary (Erica Tazel) and Roy (William Deion Smith), under the watchful eye of their devout mother, Nancy (Sonja Sohn). Meals are sparse, often consisting of just one burger for the entire family. Grappling with intense anger management issues, George lashes out physically, especially when confronted at school, leading to violent encounters.

In his early adulthood, a desperate George narrowly avoids legal trouble after an attempted mugging goes awry, pushing him to join the Job Corps—a government program aimed at helping troubled youth. There, he forms a close friendship with his roommate, Desmond Baker (John Magaro), but his volatile temperament threatens his participation. After a confrontation over a stolen pair of sneakers gifted by his mother, George faces expulsion. Fortunately, Doc Broadus (Forest Whitaker), a boxing trainer and chairman of the program, sees potential in him and encourages him to channel his aggression through boxing.

Under Doc’s guidance, George not only learns the fundamentals of the sport—such as speed, agility, and technical skills—but also sets his sights on becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. He excels rapidly in boxing, ultimately earning a gold medal for the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, beating the formidable Jonas Cepulis (Phillip Craddock-Haney) and securing the only boxing gold for the US during those games.

Upon returning home, George faces criticism from the African American community for fighting for a country that mistreats them. Determined to earn respect and prove himself, he embraces his calling as a boxer, even moving to Oakland to train with former champions. During this time, he begins a relationship with journalist Paula (Shein Mompremier), who eventually becomes his wife. His professional boxing career takes off, resulting in a stunning 36-0 record, culminating in a victory against Joe Frazier (Carlos Takam) in 1973, where he claims the heavyweight title. However, behind the glitz of success, George’s personal life spirals as he engages in infidelities, neglecting the spiritual roots instilled by his mother.

Tensions escalate when he fights Muhammad Ali (Sullivan Jones) at The Rumble in the Jungle in 1974, where he defeats George using the infamous rope-a-dope technique, marking George’s first career defeat. This loss, compounded by personal turmoil—including his divorce from Paula—forces George to reevaluate his life. A profound moment occurs after witnessing the fragile condition of his newborn nephew when he offers to trade his life for the baby’s. This moment of clarity pushes him toward a conversion, ultimately leading him to forsake boxing for a life of preaching.

Years later, George marries Mary Joan Martelly (Jasmine Mathews). As a preacher, he establishes a community center aimed at helping troubled youth, yet his dreams face another setback when he finds himself in financial turmoil, contrary to his image. Following a confrontation with Desmond, who mishandled his finances, George confronts his friend and chooses forgiveness.

Finding that returning to boxing may be the only way to salvage the center, he embarks on a journey to reclaim his fitness and dignity in the ring. Rejecting his past anger in favor of positivity, George works his way back into shape, eventually facing off against Evander Holyfield yet conceding defeat. However, the earnings from that fight, alongside an unexpected grill deal, allows him to pay off debts and keep the center operational.

Finally, a defining match against Michael Moorer reestablishes him as the heavyweight champion of the world at the age of 45. Reflecting on his tumultuous journey, George realizes that the personal growth he sought was within him all along. The epilogue reveals the deepened friendship between George and Ali, Doc’s induction into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998, and George’s commitment to continue his dual roles as a preacher and youth mentor in Houston.

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 08:20