George Foreman wasn’t just a boxing legend — he was a father to a remarkable family, a husband several times over, and a businessman who built one of the most successful post-sports careers of all time. While the world remembers his thunderous right hand and million-dollar smile, the deeper story of Foreman’s legacy lies in the lives he touched, raised, and supported outside the ring. In this article, we’ll explore George Foreman’s children, the wives who stood beside him, and the net worth and fortune he built beyond the boxing ring.
Meet the Foremans: A Family of Georges
One of the most iconic and charming parts of George Foreman’s legacy is how he named all five of his sons George Edward Foreman. Each one carries his full name, differentiated only by nicknames like Monk, Red, Joe, Big Wheel, and Little George. Foreman once explained, “I named all my sons George so they would always have something in common. If one of us goes up, then we all go up together.”
Among his kids, George Foreman III and George Foreman VI have stepped into the public eye the most:
- George Foreman III, also known as “Monk,” briefly followed in his father’s footsteps with a professional boxing career before becoming a boxing trainer and entrepreneur. He founded a popular boxing fitness brand and gym franchise called EverybodyFights.
- George Foreman VI, the youngest of the sons with the shared name, became widely searched in recent years as part of the ongoing curiosity around the Foreman family’s unique naming tradition.
George Foreman also had seven daughters, one of whom he named Georgetta, and another, Isabella Brenda Lilja Foreman, who was adopted in 2009. While most of his daughters have stayed out of the public spotlight, Foreman always emphasized that being a father was his proudest title. His children — both sons and daughters — were at the center of his world.
The Women Behind the Name: George Foreman’s Wives
George Foreman was married five times throughout his life, and each wife played a part in different seasons of his journey.
- Adrienne Calhoun was his first wife, married from 1971 to 1974. She was by his side during his rise as heavyweight champion.
- He later married Cynthia Lewis, Sharon Goodson, and Andrea Skeete, though those marriages were relatively short.
- His fifth and final wife was Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985. Mary Joan stood by Foreman through his comeback years and into his retirement. They raised a blended family and remained married for the rest of his life.
Mary Joan was frequently credited by Foreman for being his rock — the one who grounded him spiritually and emotionally. The couple shared a strong Christian faith and kept much of their private life out of the spotlight, but their long marriage is one of the most consistent chapters of his post-boxing life.
If you’re searching for George Foreman’s spouse or wife, Mary Joan Martelly is the one most closely associated with his legacy.
Beyond the Ring: George Foreman’s Net Worth and Business Empire
While most athletes struggle to maintain fame and fortune after retirement, George Foreman redefined what it means to win after sports. His transformation into a beloved pitchman began with his biggest hit outside the ring: the George Foreman Grill.
Introduced in the mid-1990s, the lean, mean, fat-reducing grilling machine was a global success. His personal endorsement and warm public image helped sell over 100 million units worldwide. In 1999, Foreman signed a deal reported to be worth $138 million just for the use of his name — more than he earned during his entire boxing career.
Today, George Foreman’s net worth is estimated to exceed $300 million, placing him among the wealthiest former athletes of all time. His brand endorsements, books, speaking engagements, and business ventures turned him into a household name even for people who never watched him fight.
The Record That Built the Legend
Of course, none of this legacy would exist without the legendary record that made Foreman famous:
- 76 wins, 5 losses
- 68 knockouts
- Two-time world heavyweight champion
- 1968 Olympic gold medalist
He defeated iconic fighters like Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, and at age 45, he returned to boxing and knocked out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history. His power in the ring was unmatched, but it was his story of transformation and resilience that made him a lasting figure.
A Legacy Beyond Titles and Fortune
George Foreman wasn’t defined by one thing — not just his fists, not just his grill, and not just his name. He was a fighter, a father, a preacher, a businessman, and a provider. He turned personal battles into spiritual growth, and global fame into generational wealth.
His kids, his long-lasting marriage, and his business empire all form part of a broader story — a story of redemption, reinvention, and legacy.
Rest in peace, Big George. Your life was a heavyweight masterpiece — and your name will continue to ring through every generation you inspired.