MACAU – It was hard not to notice George Foreman when he entered the press conference hall for ?FISTS OF GOLD?. The former two time heavyweight champion is part of the HBO television panel that will cover the huge fight card promoted by Top Rank. He also was with three of his sons, also named George.
Foreman spoke briefly to philboxing and talked about his visits to Asia. During his first reign as champion, his first title defense was in Japan in 1973, against Joe ?King? Roman, a fight that lasted all of two minutes.
?I?ve been back to Asia after that, but not for boxing,? Foreman said, ? I had partnership with Jackie Chan selling grills.? The George Foreman grill gave the heavyweight legend a huge retirement check. ?100 million sold,? Foreman laughed and graciously posed for photos with the fans and members of the media who approached him after the presscon.
Just like China?s Zou Shiming,who is being showcased in this historic promotion, Foreman is a former Olympic gold medalist. He topped the heavyweight division during the 1968 games in Mexico City.
Photo: Former heavyweight champion George Foreman (L) poses with the author at The Venetian in Macau Thursday afternoon.
