George Foreman isn’t just a two-time heavyweight champion – he’s a symbol of personal transformation, spiritual awakening, and the greatest comeback in sports history. From his early days as an intimidating force in the heavyweight division, to walking away from boxing to pursue faith and service, and then returning two decades later to reclaim the world title – Foreman defied the odds in every way imaginable.

But beyond the headlines and accolades, for me, George Foreman represents something deeper.

I grew up watching him not just as a fighter, but as a wise, insightful voice during HBO broadcasts. His presence on commentary carried the weight of experience and the calm confidence of someone who had lived every inch of the sport. Years later, I had the honor of meeting him in person – first when he commentated on one of my early fights on HBO, and again at a social event, thanks to Hall of Fame publicist Bill Caplan.

Bill, a larger-than-life figure in boxing himself, introduced us. And George – with a warmth and authenticity that few legends possess – gave me thoughtful advice on the nuances of the sport. He offered a compliment, then followed with a bit of technical insight that stuck with me for years.

George was a strong advocate for an educated left jab. My trainer, Jimmy O, spent years teaching me not only how to use it effectively but also the philosophy behind it. George complimented me on how well I was utilizing the jab so early in my career. He emphasized the importance of using feints to throw opponents off balance and encouraged me to keep refining the technique. He even said that mastering the jab could take me all the way to a world title.

He also pointed out the effectiveness of targeting the body, particularly the solar plexus, as a way to disrupt rhythm and drain energy over the course of a fight. George spoke about using different variations of the jab, both to the head and body, incorporating feints as both offensive and defensive tools. His insights reinforced everything Jimmy had taught me and gave me even more confidence in my approach during the early stages of my professional career.

But it wasn’t just about technique, it was the way he made you feel seen, and his guidance came from a place of genuinely wanting you to grow. That moment became a source of lasting inspiration for me, both as a fighter and later as a promoter.

Foreman’s journey also mirrors the evolution of boxing itself. In the 1970s, the sport lived in a different world: fewer titles, fewer broadcast platforms, and limited global reach. A fight like the “Rumble in the Jungle” being shown live from Africa was a massive technological feat. Television reigned supreme, and the sport’s exposure was shaped by a handful of influential networks.

Today, the landscape is completely transformed. There are countless streaming platforms, a wide range of titles and sanctioning bodies, and fights are broadcast live around the world with a few taps on a screen. The business of boxing has changed – it’s faster, more fragmented, more global.

But what hasn’t changed – and what never will – is the power of the human spirit. No matter how advanced our platforms become or how many titles are at stake, what truly moves people are stories like George Foreman’s: stories of faith, resilience, and the unshakable belief in something greater.

My spiritual awakening began when I walked into a Chabad House synagogue. It was a gradual process, but one that ultimately became deeply meaningful in my life and career. The defining moment came when I decided I would no longer fight on the Sabbath, even though I had reached the finals of a national tournament. I accepted the possibility of disqualification – but in a last-minute change, USA Boxing rescheduled my bout, and I went on to win the tournament.

As someone who came up in boxing and found his own faith along the way, Foreman’s journey is more than a tale of triumph – it’s a living blueprint for overcoming life’s challenges with purpose and dignity. He showed us all that it’s never too late to dream, never too late to fight, and never too late to become who you were meant to be.

Even as the sport continues to change through technology and modernization, the ultimate stars, the ones who resonate with fans for generations, will always be those who inspire us, who touch our souls, who embody something greater than wins and losses.

Boxing, the sweet science, at its essence is simple and humble. Its greatest champions often rise from the most modest beginnings, armed with nothing but heart, discipline, and will. It’s the purity of the craft, combined with the depth of human spirit, that continues to capture us.

George Foreman stands as a timeless example of that truth. And no matter how much the sport evolves, it’s that spirit – raw, real, and rooted in something greater – that will always define boxing’s greatest stories.