Houston will host a memorial for boxing great George Foreman on Monday, April 15. The livestreamed service will celebrate his legacy as an athlete, minister, and community advocate.
The City of Houston, alongside the family of George Foreman, will honor the life and legacy of the legendary boxer, Olympic gold medalist, and entrepreneur with a public memorial service on Monday, April 15. The event will take place at 11 a.m. at the Wortham Theater Center, located at 501 Texas Avenue in downtown Houston.
Foreman, who passed away last month at the age of 76, was a native of Houston’s Fifth Ward and rose to international fame with his powerful presence in the boxing ring. He won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics and became heavyweight champion in 1973 after defeating Joe Frazier. Though he lost to Muhammad Ali in the iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle,” Foreman’s comeback a decade later was one of the most inspiring in sports history. At 45, he regained the heavyweight title by knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994.
Due to limited seating, all in-person tickets to the service have already been distributed. However, the City of Houston will livestream the memorial on Houston Municipal Television’s website and Facebook page for the public.
The service will feature tributes from family, friends, and fellow boxers. Pastor George Foreman IV will deliver the opening prayer, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire is expected to share remarks. Michael Moorer will present tributes on behalf of the boxing community. Musical performances will be provided by the Houston Symphony, University of Houston Choir, and guest vocalists.
Foreman, an ordained minister, spent his post-boxing years preaching and working with youth through his George Foreman Youth and Community Center. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ or the George Foreman Charitable Foundation.
