Three former world champions became preachers after retirement. Let’s take a look at the latest, former Olympic Gold Medal and Champion in the heavyweight ‘Big’ George Foreman, who has just passed away.
In January 1973, Foreman stopped the champion of Smokin ‘Joe Frazier, 29-0, in two rounds in Kingston, Jamaica.
On March 17, 1977, he lost to Jimmy Young, who was in the twelfth and last round in Puerto Rico.
While Foreman lay in his locker room after he lost, he had a spiritual awakening and began shouting, “Jesus Christ is in me.” Then, after the shower, he started yelling, “Hallelujah, I’m pure! Hallelujah, I was born again!” He would withdraw from a box with a 45-2 (42 ko) record and became a ordained minister.
He would return and win a heavyweight title for the second time at the age of 45, knocking out champions Michael Moorer, 35-0, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. In November 1997, he retired with a record 76-5 (68 KOS) from Houston, Texas.
Former WBA and IBF World Super Lightweeteship Champion Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor He won his WBA title in August 1980, descending from the canvas in the first round to stop Antoni ‘Kid’ Cid ‘Cervantes, 63-10-1, in the fourth round, in Pryor’s home town of Cincinnati. In June 1984, he won the IBF title, defeating Canadian Nick Furlano, 28-7-1, a decision in Toronto, Canada.
After retirement in 1990 with a record 39-1 (35 ko), Pryor went through difficult times due to drug addiction, but with a determination that made him a big fighter, he kicked the habit. He became a deacon at the Baptist Church of New Friendship. The testimony of Pryor was like watching Henry “Hawk’s” Armstrong “murder and even took the nickname” Hawk! “
In October 1937, Armstrong won his first World Featherweight title that broke out Petey Sarron, 107-21-13, in six rounds in Madison Square Garden.
In May 1938, he jumped in divisions to win the worldwide title, beating Barney Ross, 74-3-3, in the Madison Square Guard Bowl, retaining Pero title.
In August 1938, he won the world’s lightweight title, beating Lou Amber 75-5-7, holding all three titles at the same time. In February 1945, he retired with a record 149-21-10 (99 Kos). He later became a ordained minister in his hometown in Los Angeles.
Last time updated 31.03.2025
