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transcripts
World Boxing Champion, George Foreman
on MSN Live
28 March 2000
©MSN Live
Edited for clarity. May not be copied or reprinted without
permission
Digital Dish Diva says:
Welcome to MSN Live! Tonight MSN Live and
DietRiot.com present a chat with one of the Sporting World's
Greatest Champions, Boxer George Foreman.
George Foreman says:
Hello and thanks for coming!
Digital Dish Diva says:
George, let’s get started! kentuckyblue says:
George, who were the two toughest boxers you ever fought against?
George Foreman says:
Kentucky Blue, the ones that gave me the rougher
time is Muhammad Ali, and Lisle who knocked me down twice.
Muhammad only knocked me down once!
Digital Dish Diva says:
floyd_mayweather Asks: Would you accept a fight
with either Holyfield or Michael Moorer, which one would you
prefer?
George Foreman says:
floyd_mayweather, for me to accept? I've fought
both-- I knocked Moorer out. Holyfield we went 12 rounds and he
got a decision. I like to fight the guys I can whip!
Digital Dish Diva says:
"Zeb Judah" Asks: What do you think is
the cause for all the attitude in boxing today? It seems that
boxers are more interested in making faces at you and Jim Lampley
during fights than finishing their opponents. I find it arrogant
and disrespectful. What's your opinion?
George Foreman says:
Zeb, I agree, there's a lot of disrespect, I don't
like it because 20 years after the boxing you have to meet these
people and have to forge a friendship with them. TV has a lot to
do with it. Everyone has to be a star.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Jay Asks: What age did you start boxing?
George Foreman says:
Jay, I had my first match in 1966 at 17, February
1966, I had just turned 17 in January. I started late, but I
lasted a long time.
Digital Dish Diva says:
grey_goat says: What did your parents think when
you first entered the ring?
George Foreman says:
grey_goat, my father would always grab me and
touch me on the head and say "The Next Heavyweight Champion
of the World." My mother always hated my boxing. She didn't
ever see me box and never wanted me to become a boxer.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Starlit Asks: George you are in really good shape.
Got any tips?
George Foreman says:
Starlit, the most important thing is to exercise
every day of your life. The only day you take off is when you
exercise too hard the day before. But that's the secret--
exercise, exercise! It doesn't matter what kind of exercise-- just
do something.
Digital Dish Diva says:
ALLSTAR says: WHAT
DO YOU THINK ABOUT UP AND COMING NEW BOXERS LIKE DE LA HOYA? WOULD
YOU WANT TO FIGHT HIM?
George Foreman says:
Allstar, Delahoya is a welterweight, 147 pounds.
Because our weights are so different, we'd never box. He's not
only a good boxer, but he looks like a movie star. PLUS, he
behaves himself like a real star.
Digital Dish Diva says:
‡Angela‡ Asks: Do you think that you would
become such a good fighter when you started boxing?
George Foreman says:
Angela, not at all. It's all been a dream, like
I'm going to wake up at any time and realize it's a dream. I had
no idea things would turn out this way. No idea.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Smithy4282 Asks: What is your opinion of Mike
Tyson?
George Foreman says:
Smithy, I think Mike Tyson getting crowned at 19,
he was kinda young and spoiled. There's a lot of greatness sitting
there sleeping, waiting to be awakened in Mike Tyson.
Digital Dish Diva says:
§håd¤wß|åstër¹ Asks: Hello George how are
you doing? I just wanted to ask you: Who do you think will win the
Michael Grant vs. Lennox Lewis Match and Why?
George Foreman says:
Shadowblaster, I think Grant has a great chance to
pull it off. He's bigger, a stiff left jab, and has endurance. I
think he has a good chance, 'cause Lewis can take him for granted.
Digital Dish Diva says:
MANOVERBOARD says: George, what role does the Lord
play in your life?
George Foreman says:
Manoverboard, I'm a fulltime preacher at the
Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and moonlight as a boxer to pay
the bills. That tells you a lot about me, that's the favorite part
of my life-- being a minister.
Digital Dish Diva says:
So, can we see you on the pulpit every Sunday?
George Foreman says:
Every Sunday, I teach Sunday school at 10a and 7p
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday evenings, so I'm always in the
church. Very small church and a lot of good people.
Digital Dish Diva says:
tomo Asks: George, is boxing a dying art, or are
there enough good young fighters to regain the public's interest?
The heavyweight ranks seem to be very thin right now.'
George Foreman says:
Tomo, rightfully enough. It is pretty thin. Not a
lot of talent. So goes heavyweight, so goes boxing. There are some
good lightweights, they're going to keep the first burning. You're
right.
Digital Dish Diva says:
"soft touch" Asks: Hi George, it’s
Erika and I was wondering if you had any inspirations when were
younger because I know that you were and are an inspiration to a
lot of people
George Foreman says:
Erica, I always thought about being an athlete but
didn't know what kind until I saw Jim Brown cross the line at a
touchdown and saw him take of his helmet. My inspiration came from
Jimmy Brown.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Brian Asks: With My help; the local Police
Athletic League is offering a Free learn to box program funded I
understand came from local DEA office to tag along the drug
prevention program? Do you like the idea?
George Foreman says:
Brian, we have a Houston TX Foreman Youth Center
to teach kids, not because we want boxers but because we want to
make leaders out of followers. Anytime someone can make a leader
it can't be anything but good!
Digital Dish Diva says:
cesare_borgia Asks: Looking back at the
"Rumble in the Jungle" fight with Ali, do feel that the
alternative would be different with out all the hype and hysteria
that Ali stoked before the fight?
George Foreman says:
cesare, it could have been, but Ali was a great
boxer. No matter what the situation, Ali and Foreman, the results
would have been the same. He was just smarter in the ring than I
was.
Digital Dish Diva says:
kentuckyblue Asks: Why did you come back in your
40's to box? Was it because of the money or the glory of becoming
heavyweight champion again? By the way I think you were a great
champion, you show that both in and out of the ring. God bless
you.
George Foreman says:
kentuckyblue, I like to give some philosophical
reason, but it was about money. I was broke. Boxing was my only
profession. I said, I want to be Heavyweight Champion of the
World, to add some integrity to it.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Keppel Asks: Are all boxing judges qualified to
make a decision? If so, how are they chosen?
George Foreman says:
Keppel, that's a question I'd like an answer to,
also. There are many who don't know what they're doing, and I'd
like to know their qualifications. There's no school to teach
them. Good question.
Digital Dish Diva says:
davey Asks: Mr. Foreman, do you think that boxing’s
era of the best consisting of you, Ali , Norton and Frazier are a
part of history never to be repeated such as I think?
George Foreman says:
davey, I'd like to think that but I know better.
One day they'll remember Holyfield and Tyson. They'll be spoken
about a lot longer than people can imagine. I'm glad someone puts
my name in the same category. But I think the future will be a lot
better to them than things are right now. History, that is.
Digital Dish Diva says:
texan Asks: How did you like the transition from
boxer to commentator? Does it make you feel like you want to get
back in the ring when you sit ringside?
George Foreman says:
texan, I call myself out of boxing more than once,
but sitting at ringside, I start to think "I can whup this
guy," and I get back in. I think I'm out right now, so I can
deal with it a lot better.
Digital Dish Diva says:
"buckeye boy" Asks: George, will we ever
see Foreman vs Holmes?
George Foreman says:
buckeye boy, never. I think that's one of the best
fights that will never happen.
Digital Dish Diva says:
"dr faustes" Asks: The hardest punch you
ever took, who was it from?
George Foreman says:
dr faustes, it was from Ron Lisle, in 1976, he hit
me so hard it didn't even hurt. My senses were taken over by that
punch, that's all I can remember.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Smithy4282 Asks: What would be your reaction if
any of your children told you that they want to start boxing?
George Foreman says:
Smithy, I have a daughter who's already decided to
box. I feel just like my mom. I'd never be able to watch them and
I don't like it. I never converted over my mom, she just couldn't
handle it. I guess when you love someone, you realize that
someone's gonna get hit. I feel the same way about my daughter
(and my sons, if they'd try also).
Digital Dish Diva says:
setldown says: Hi George, as a boxer do you
believe Ali's Parkinson disease was a direct result of fighting?
And if so, what can be done to protect fighters?
George Foreman says:
setldown, Ali had a great career and I've seen
other boxers that got hit more but never seen anything with
something like Ali. There's something else going on. Protective
headgear in professional boxing can protect fighters.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Trowa Asks: Have you ever read the book "The
Contender"? If so, do you think you cant relate to the main
character, Alfred?
George Foreman says:
Trowa, no, I haven't read the book yet. I've heard
a lot of people talk about it.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Brian Asks: Would you still encourage a young
promising kid to box?
George Foreman says:
Brian, no I would like to tell them to be boxing
managers. That way they can get a lot of money and not get hurt.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Smart!
Digital Dish Diva says:
kentuckyblue Asks: George in your first fight with
Joe Frazier how did you beat him so easy? It was as if you knew
his every move.
George Foreman says:
kentuckyblue, I was so afraid I realized that if I
didn't get wild and take him out quick, if it went 4 or 5 rounds,
he'd take me out. So my fear did it.
Digital Dish Diva says:
uhvstrkgld Asks: Did you ever get hit so hard in
the ring that you asked yourself what were you doing there knowing
that you had so much to be thankful for already?
George Foreman says:
uhvstrkgld, many times. Many times. There were
times I thought "I'm getting out of here." Many times.
Digital Dish Diva says:
BADBOY Asks: Do you ever train anybody and if so,
do they box professionally?
George Foreman says:
Badboy, I have worked with youngsters as amateurs
to teach them boxing and boxing appreciation and I did have one
that turned professional. But no one who's boxing now.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Thisandthat Asks: Do people like Don King help or
hurt boxing, in your opinion?
George Foreman says:
thisnthat, sometimes it's a two edged sword. He's
done a lot of good and brought a lot of embarrassment to boxing
also. I don't know what to say about that one.
Digital Dish Diva says:
meandkate says: Hi George. Why did you buy a
ranch?
George Foreman says:
meandkate, I'd always been in deep hard training
when I started in the 60s, and looked for a place where I could
chop wood and drag trees. The best way is to have your own place.
I have a five-acre ranch in California first, but I just love that
life now.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Polly Asks: George, you are such a great role
model. What is in your future plans? Any acting?
George Foreman says:
Polly, we did do a TV show, "George." I
starred in it and it was cancelled after ten weeks. I do enjoy it.
But I've decided to put my every effort into my website, though--
and make it everything that it can be.
Digital Dish Diva says:
tomo Asks: You're an intelligent person; why not
have your own sports talk show?
George Foreman says:
tomo, next. That is next.
Digital Dish Diva says:
"Zeb Judah" Asks: George, being a boxer
who fought in his "elder years", do you think it is a
mistake and a danger for older boxers, such as Chavez, to continue
fighting though they are clearly not the fighters they once were?
What are your thoughts?
George Foreman says:
Zeb, that's a difficult question to answer-- I
feel grateful I had a chance to get back in, and I was fortunate
not to get too beat up the second time around. But I've seen
boxers who get beat up the first time around... and yet they want
a chance to get beat up a second time.
Digital Dish Diva says:
StoneCold Asks: Do you like boxing or doing
infomercials better?
George Foreman says:
Stonecold, infomercials better. I love selling.
That is my thrill to sell. I tell my children to learn to sell and
they'll never starve. Learn to box and you can be cut short at any
time.
Digital Dish Diva says:
beauty says: Where did the idea for the Grill come
from? How is it doing?
George Foreman says:
beauty, the Grill had been around for a long time,
but it wasn't beautiful. I got together with Salton and I show
people how to cook with it and make it pretty. It's the George
Foreman Lean, Mean Grilling Machine!
Digital Dish Diva says:
tattoogirl Asks: George, I love my George Foreman
Grill, is there any new cookbooks coming out on the market soon?
George Foreman says:
tattoogirl, we're getting ready to put out another
"George Foreman BBQ and Grilling" (Simon & Schuster)
and we just did another rotisserie cookbook. So, keep your eyes
open!
Digital Dish Diva says:
mike9 says: Do you have a favorite recipe for the
Grill?
George Foreman says:
mike9, the Champ Burger made with veggies.
Digital Dish Diva says:
What kind of veggies?
George Foreman says:
If you buy the BBQ & Grilling cookbook, you'll
find it. I put in a lot of color in it so the kids will eat it.
Red, green, yellow and bell peppers, carrots. Just so they know
it's not all about meat.
Digital Dish Diva says:
ALLSTAR Asks: DO YOU HOPE THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL BE
ABLE TO HOLD THE OLYMPIC TORCH LIKE ALI DID FOUR YEARS AGO?
George Foreman says:
Allstar, I don't think anyone can top that one!
That was one of the greatest things we ever have seen-- he did
more for people with disabilities and people in those few minutes
than he could have done in his whole career. That would be hard to
touch!
Digital Dish Diva says:
texan Asks: Compare training from your younger
years to your later years. Is it more difficult?
George Foreman says:
texan, no, I can concentrate a little better these
days because I know exactly what to do and what not to. I love it
much better in the latter part of my career than earlier. It
actually got easier.
Digital Dish Diva says:
‡Angela‡ Asks: Hello, Do you think that you
would ever join the WWF or go into a wrestling federation?
George Foreman says:
Angela, not at all. One of those big guys would
bump into me and probably break every bone in my body!
Digital Dish Diva says:
alyssia Asks: I love George Foreman but are all
your sons really named George?
George Foreman says:
alyssia, yes. The reason is that if you're going
to be a good boxer, you have to make preparations for memory loss.
Digital Dish Diva says:
COOL44 Asks: How do you order your products?
George Foreman says:
Cool, you can find them at all the major appliance
stores all over the world, and on my website.
Digital Dish Diva says:
melB says: Can you marry people?
George Foreman says:
melB, yes, I've done so many weddings. I love the
weddings. I've done too many funerals. I'm an ordained minister.
When I tie knots, they'd better stay tied!
Digital Dish Diva says:
James Asks: Can you tell us a little about your
family?
George Foreman says:
James, I've been married for close to 20 years
now, and have 10 children. Five daughters. One named Georgetta.
And the one who boxes, Frieda George. Two college graduates, and
one pre-med at Baylor. I have one who wants to be a flyer. He
flies airplanes, solos already even though he hasn't graduated.
And a little baby boy.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Dana says: If you weren't a boxer, what would you
be doing?
George Foreman says:
Dana, I'd be working in TV an actor, at first.
That's what I wanted to do before I went into boxing. I'm a
preacher now, and that's my greatest profession.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Thisandthat Asks: What do you feel when you're
giving a sermon. What does it do for you?
George Foreman says:
Thisandthat, it's my life. It's probably the most
natural that I ever am. I feel like I'm born to do it. I feel
alive. That I'm living life at its complete moment. I'm more alive
and complete being a preacher than at anything else.
Digital Dish Diva says:
ALLSTAR Asks: What others ports do you like
watching? College or pro?
George Foreman says:
Allstar, I like college and pro. We all get into
the March Madness. I have an honorary degree at Pepperdine, so I
follow them. These days I'm in love with the Lakers.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Ever think of managing a sports team?
George Foreman says:
I've thought about that, and maybe before
everything is over, I'll get into that.
Digital Dish Diva says:
hopechest says: What has been your proudest
moment?
George Foreman says:
hopechest, in 1968, I won a gold medal in Mexico
City. As an athlete, nothing could top that moment. Nothing in
sports.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Ollie Asks: George did you do an episode of
"Sanford and Son" years ago?
George Foreman says:
I did! I can't remember the episode name, but I
played a boxer trying to be an actor.
Digital Dish Diva says:
jacob says: Can you tell us about your Youth
Center?
George Foreman says:
My brother Roy Foreman and I started it in 1986.
It was a place for the kids to hang out, and we'd try to provide
for them role models. It's one of the reasons I got back into
boxing, to get the money to keep it going. It was a way to keep
kids off the street-- boxing, basketball, weight-lifting. There
are several programs for youngsters.
Digital Dish Diva says:
‡Angela‡ Asks: When you got started in the
boxing world, who was your coach? Was he a good one?
George Foreman says:
Angela, my first was Doc Broadus. He was the coach
for the job corps center I was in at California. He truly believed
in me. I had no experience or skills. All I had was confidence in
him.
Digital Dish Diva says:
James Asks: Sir, I enjoyed your show
"George" and was very disappointed when it was cut, do
you have any other prospects in the TV world?
George Foreman says:
James, there are some probabilities but as an
actor you have to confine yourself in one place for weeks and
weeks at a time. There's no glamour in it. But I do plan on coming
back to television.
Digital Dish Diva says:
dani says: Hi George. When you fought, did you
follow a special diet like high protein?
George Foreman says:
dani, yes, and my second time around, because I'd
put on so much weight I had to spend a lot of time on vegetarian
diets. Just prior to the match, I go high protein-- chicken
breasts and steak.
Digital Dish Diva says:
ladyt Asks: George, for me your boxing matches
have always been great. What in your opinion makes a great boxing
match?
George Foreman says:
ladyt, I think when you have two real good
fighters. Boxers love moving away and circling, fighters come at
you. The best boxing match is when you have two fighters, no one
backing up unless they're knocked down. I’ve been in two of
those and I don't want to be in another!
Digital Dish Diva says:
texan Asks: Where do you see yourself in ten
years?
George Foreman says:
Texan, I hope to be in church. That's probably the
most important thing in my life to be consistently in church. I
just want to be there in the end.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Brian Asks: I got a little nervous when a few
local boxing coaches lied about their kid's boxing experience
before a fight with my 12 yr old. I switched him to hockey. I said
it was boxing on ice. Any thoughts on how to protect a kid from
these step on users?
George Foreman says:
Brian, try to get as much safety equipment you can
buy and get your kids the best conditioning possible. Those sneaks
can get your children hurt, but if you get them in the best
physical condition, they're safer. There are sneaks in every
sport.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Motoman Asks: George when you work out these days
do you still pull the jeep behind you ?
George Foreman says:
Motoman, no, I only did that for boxing. My legs
had to be stronger than the other guys. I knew if I was ever
knocked down in a boxing match because of my age, they'd stop the
match. So my legs had to be stronger and that jeep did it. I never
got knocked down!
Digital Dish Diva says:
Trowa Asks: Do you think you will ever travel to
schools around the U.S. and tell children about your life story?
George Foreman says:
Trowa, I do that. I accept initiations now, and
love speaking to youngsters, especially about my unexpected rise
to fame and fortune. I tell them that they can. Any girl or boy
can.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Next up is Five on Live!
Digital Dish Diva says:
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
George Foreman says:
First thing I get up and take care of my dog! I
just go right outside, doesn't matter what I have on. I have at
least 5 dogs running through the house.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Irresistible junk food?
George Foreman says:
Cheeseburger.
Digital Dish Diva says:
If you weren't named George, what name would you
have chosen for yourself?
George Foreman says:
Joe.
Digital Dish Diva says:
What is the best piece of advice you have ever
been given?
George Foreman says:
Never hang out with kids who are going to get in
trouble or have been in trouble. My uncle.
Digital Dish Diva says:
What is your most prized possession?
George Foreman says:
My wife and vice versa. She possesses me!
Digital Dish Diva says:
George, thanks so much for being our guest
tonight.
George Foreman says:
I truly enjoyed myself and I look forward to doing
it again!
Tonight's event has been brought to you by DietRiot.com. Check
'em out at http://www.dietriot.com
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