'I will not be intimidated': Boxing legend George Foreman claims extortion behind sex abuse claims
George Foreman believes he is the target of two women who accuse him of abusing them sexually in the 1970s. He vigorously rejects all allegations and views them as an extortion attempt. The legendary heavyweight champion said that the two ladies have been attempting to extort millions of dollars from him in a statement released on Wednesday, July 13.
Foreman said, “Over the past six months, two women have been trying to extort millions of dollars each from me and my family. They are falsely claiming that I sexually abused them over 45 years ago in the 1970s. I adamantly and categorically deny these allegations.” “The pride I take in my reputation means as much to me as my sports accomplishments, and I will not be intimidated by baseless threats and lies. I am, and always will be, guided by my faith and trust in God. I will work with my lawyers to fully and truthfully expose my accusers’ scheme and defend myself in court. I don’t pick fights, but I don’t run away from them either,” he added.
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According to TMZ, the two ladies, whose fathers supposedly had a connection and business relationship with Foreman decades ago, will file the complaint this week in Los Angeles. According to the outlet's sources, the two women are suing the 73-year-old for $12.5 million each. A ferocious puncher, Foreman came up in the last golden age of American heavyweights, dueling with the likes of Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.
Foreman won the Olympic gold medal in heavyweight boxing in Mexico City in 1968. In one of the most well-known bouts in the sport's history, he was knocked out by Ali in 1974's ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in Zaire. Foreman retired three years after the devastating loss.
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However, he made a legendary comeback in 1987 at the age of 38, after a decade away from the sport, paving the way for what would ultimately become his most notable career achievement. In 1994, he created history by knocking out a then 26-year-old Michael Moorer in the 10th round to become the sport's oldest heavyweight champion at age 45. After losing against Shannon Briggs on points, the native Texan eventually announced his retirement in 1997 at the age of 48. His final record was 76-5 with 68 knockouts. Foreman made a fortune in his post-fighting career as an entrepreneur, most notably from his eponymous grill, which ultimately earned him over $200 million.