FEATURE STORY
10 RULES FROM GEORGE FOREMAN ON WHAT IT TAKES TO REACH THE
TOP ( AND STAY THERE )
George Foreman , the second wealthiest boxer of all time , is a household name today , but he didn ’ t become one easily . To truly understand and appreciate his resilience , you must look back at his life and the obstacles he ’ s faced .
The two-time heavyweight champion , Olympic gold medalist , record-busting salesman , author , and serial entrepreneur had a troubled youth in Texas .
Foreman ’ s father abandoned him , his mother , and his six siblings when Foreman was only 5 years old . Often roaming the streets as a youth , he got into trouble and didn ’ t like school . Bigger and stronger than most kids his age , he got into fights , lived in abandoned houses , and robbed people . At 15 , he dropped out of school . He was street smart , but he could barely read and write .
After being chased by police , he awakened to the truth about the destructive path he was headed down . The next day , he signed up for the Job Corps . “ I ’ d heard a commercial with Jimmy Brown and Johnny Unitas ,” Foreman said . “ They were great football players , and they said , ‘ If you ’ re looking for a second chance , join the Job Corps .’” There , he learned bricklaying , forestry , and carpentry as well as how to read and write . He sent money to his mom each month to help support his family . He took up boxing as a challenge after listening on the radio to the heavyweight title match when Cassius Clay fought against Floyd Patterson . “ I was always trying to be a tough guy and kept getting into fights ,” Foreman said . “ All
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