HONORING GEORGE FOREMAN A LEGEND

George Edward Foreman

George Edward Foreman, 76, was born in 1949 in Marshall Texas and raised in the 5th Ward section of Houston. He was known as “Big George” to friends and fans. He admitted his childhood as being rough. He took up boxing at 19 and made the 1968 Olympic team, where he won the gold medal. He would later state this was his proudest moment in boxing. Foreman turned pro in 1969 and rose in the ranks; he fought 13 times that year.

He dominated in his early career and won many of his fights via knockout. Some of his notable victories were against: Joe Frazier, Jose Roman, and Ken Norton. He defeated Joe Frazier to win his first title. George Forman’s biggest fight of the early 1970s was against Muhammed Ali, “The Rumble in the Jungle.” This fight took place in Kinshasa, Zaire; however, this was his first loss.

Foreman’s first defeat prompted him to attempt to redeem himself. He took on 5 boxers in an exhibition fight, where he defeated them. The public doubted his abilities and denounced the exhibition because the fighters were inexperienced. Ali’s presence at the fight also irritated him. Foreman had three fights after this exhibition—Ron Lyle, Joe Frazier, and Jimmy Young. He won against Ron Lyle and Joe Frazier but lost to Jimmy Young. Foreman suffered a life-threatening heat stroke after his fight with Jimmy Young. He had a near-death experience which prompted him to become a born-again Christian. Also, he left boxing and became a minister.

George Foreman made a return to boxing in 1987, after a 10-year hiatus. He was heavier, but more patient. He fought his way to contention. George Foreman had a fierce and dominant attitude during his early boxing career; however, during the height of his comeback, he was mellow and friendly. He eventually became the oldest man to win a heavy weight title; at 45, Foreman defeated Michael Moorer to become heavyweight champion for a second time. After his title win he wanted to fight Mike Tyson; this never happened. Forman vacated his title because of contractual reasons. His final fight was with Shannon Briggs, which he lost. George Forman’s had 81 fights and only lost 5; most were by knockout.

Post retirement, George Foreman’s famously endorsed the Foreman Grill. Foreman attributed a healthy diet as the reason why he could return to the ring. Salton, Inc. approached to be the spokesperson for its fat-reducing grill, when he returned. The grill sold over 100 million worldwide; he sold his rights in 1999 for $100 million dollars. Foreman also made an impact with being a boxing commentor. Foreman was known as a patriotic and community-oriented individual. George Foreman died on March 21, 2025, at a Houston hospital. No cause of death was given.

The Flare Center’s Boxing Bomb Squad Hosted a Boxing Show

These scenes were taken February 11th at the Flare Center, 377 Leroy. The Flare Center’s Boxing Bomb Squad hosted a boxing show, which featured boxing clubs from Buffalo, the four corners of New York State, and Toronto, Canada.

The Flare Boxing Club is led by the husband and wife team of Terry and Regina Williams. Assistant Coaches are Rev. Leroy Wiggins and John Elmore.

Program highlights included the weigh in, the singing of The National Athem, announcment of the officials followed by the action in the squared circle.

Pictured above is Assistant Coach Leroy Wiggins and Coach Terry Williams. Below are other participants and attendees.

Best Wishes to Amir Anderson

Amir Anderson, Don Patterson, and little Noah Woods.

Best wishes to Amir Anderson of Syracuse, NY, who posed for this photo February 24th at the kick-off of the New York State Golden Gloves. Amir was all smiles as he greeted fans after he was introduced by Don Patterson, Chair of the NYS Golden Gloves. NYS Golden Gloves action will continues April 6th at the Seneca One Towers. Continued success to Amir, who will be advancing and is now an Olympic Trail hopeful.

NYS Golden Gloves Set

Pictured from left: Captain Steve Nichols, Chief Tommy Champion, Don Patterson, Lt. Jenny Velez, Joe Carubba, and Joe Ciffa. ~ Criterion Photo

One of the greatest amateur events in all sports will take place in Buffalo, New York on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The CARUBBA & COMPANY NYS GOLDEN GLOVES will be held at one of the most unique and exciting venues ever in its long and illustrious history. The fabulous SENECA ONE TOWER in the heart of downtown Buffalo, 1 Seneca Street will be the sight of the 2024 historic boxing event.

The beautiful and spacious lobby of Seneca One will be transformed to accommodate boxing enthusiasts by bringing in a boxing ring, ringside seating, general seating, table seating and VIP table seating. Concessions will also be available throughout the day.

All of Western New York amateur boxers, along with boxers from across the state are training hard and eagerly anticipating their opportunity to participate in the most prestigious amateur boxing tournament in the country, the Carubba & Company NYS Golden Gloves. The boxers are enthusiastically preparing to seize their moment and earn their place in boxing history and become a Golden Gloves champion.

Carubba & Co. NY State Golden Gloves Boxing

Slated for February 21 at the Fabulous SENECA ONE TOWER

One of the greatest amateur events in all sports will take place in Buffalo, New York on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The CARUBBA & COMPANY NYS GOLDEN GLOVES will be held at one of the most unique and exciting venues ever in its long and illustrious history. The fabulous SENECA ONE TOWER in the heart of downtown Buffalo, 1 Seneca Street will be the sight of the 2024 historic boxing event.

In preparation for the big event, the Carubba & Company NYS Golden Gloves, MEDIA DAY News Conference will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 2pm at the SENECA ONE TOWER, 1 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY.

For over 100 years, the Golden Gloves has produced some of the greatest professional boxing champions in the history of the “Sweet Science”. Household names such as; “The Brown Bomber” Joe Louis, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Sonny Liston, Ezzard Charles, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar DeLa Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. were all former Golden Glove Champions.

The beautiful and spacious lobby of Seneca One will be transformed to accommodate boxing enthusiasts by bringing in a boxing ring, ringside seating, general seating, table seating and VIP table seating.

Concessions will also be available throughout the day.

All of Western New York amateur boxers, along with boxers from across the state are training hard and eagerly anticipating their opportunity to participate in the most prestigious amateur boxing tournament in the country, the Carubba & Company NYS Golden Gloves. The boxers are enthusiastically preparing to seize their moment and earn their place in boxing history and become a Golden Gloves champion.

All winners in this open class will advance to the Golden Gloves National Tournament which will be held 2024 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS MAY 13TH - 18TH in DETROIT, MICHIGAN in what is the most prestigious amateur boxing tournament in the country.

Admission for the Golden Gloves is only $25 in advance or $30 at the door the day. Ringside is $35 in advance- $40 day of. Limited VIP tables available by contacting diaabmanagement@msn.com. The doors open at 2:30pm and the bouts start at 3:00p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at Doris Records 716-883-2410; and online at www.ticketweb.com.

For more information go to: www.buffalogoldengloves.com or Facebook: Buffalo Golden Gloves or contact Don Patterson at 716-400- 9697, or Instagram at Buffalo Golden Gloves. If you are looking for a superior sporting experience and great live entertainment please join us to support local boxers and businesses.