George Foreman Accused of sexual abuse in lawsuits

Bills punter Accused in lawsuit of participating in Gang rape

The lawsuits do not refer to Foreman by name, but the women describe their alleged abuser as the former professional heavyweight boxer who defeated Joe Frazier in 1973 to become the heavyweight champion of the world. The 73-year-old Foreman won the first of his two world heavyweight titles by knocking out Frazier on Jan. 22, 1973.

Foreman, who retired from boxing in 1997, issued a statement denying the claims when the allegations became public last month.

Over the past six months, two women have been trying to extort millions of dollars each from me and my family, Foreman said. 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 achievements, and I will not be intimidated by baseless threats and lies.

Foreman said he would work with his lawyers to fully and truthfully expose my accusers scheme in court.

I don’t pick fights, but I don’t run away from them either, Foreman said in the statement.

Both women are seeking a jury trial and an unspecified amount in damages, according to Reuters. The lawsuits were filed under a 2019 California law that allows survivors of childhood sexual assault a three-year window for the revival of past claims that might have expired because of the statute of limitations. The window expires at the end of this year.

Foreman won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City before compiling a 76-5 record with 68 knockouts during his professional career. He lost the world heavyweight title to Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle in Zaire in 1974. At the age of 45 in 1994, Foreman defeated 26-year-old Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.