Olympic gold from George Foreman’s career for sale

Before George Foreman became a heavyweight champion, before his legendary clash with Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle, and long before he became a household name selling grills, he was a 19-year-old boxer dominating opponents at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Now, the gold medal he earned during that triumphant run is heading to auction with an unexpected backstory.

The precious piece of boxing history sat forgotten in a Houston garage for decades after Foreman asked a neighbor if he could store some belongings at her home during the 1970s. When the neighbor’s daughter eventually sorted through her late mother’s possessions, she discovered boxes containing Foreman’s memorabilia, including trophies, a driver’s license and the Olympic gold medal from his Oct. 26, 1968, victory.

Dominating the competition in Mexico City

Foreman arrived at the 1968 Summer Games as a young powerhouse ready to make his mark on the international stage. His path to gold showcased the raw talent and devastating power that would later define his professional career.

The teenager’s most challenging moment came during his opening bout in the round of 16 against Poland’s Lucjan Trela. Foreman secured a 4-1 decision, the closest margin he would face throughout the entire tournament.

After navigating that initial test, Foreman shifted into a higher gear. His quarterfinal matchup against Romania’s Ion Alexe demonstrated the punishing style that would become his trademark. Foreman inflicted such damage that the referee stopped the contest in the third round, sparing Alexe from further punishment.

Unstoppable force in the medal rounds

The semifinal bout against Italy’s Giorgio Bambini proved equally one-sided. Foreman dropped the Italian fighter three times before the referee waved off the fight in the second round, advancing Big George to the finals.

Facing Jonas Cepulis of the Soviet Union for the gold medal, Foreman delivered his most dominant performance yet. The 19-year-old overwhelmed his opponent with relentless aggression, forcing another referee stoppage in the second round and securing Olympic gold for the United States.

The victory in Mexico City launched Foreman into the spotlight and set the stage for a professional career that would include two separate reigns as heavyweight champion, the first beginning in 1973 when he knocked out Joe Frazier.

An unusual journey to auction

The medal’s path from Foreman’s neck to the auction block reads like something from a movie script. During the 1970s, when Foreman lived in Houston, he developed a friendship with a neighbor and asked if he could store some boxes in her garage. She agreed to the favor, and the items remained there for years.

After the neighbor passed away, her daughter began the difficult task of sorting through her mother’s belongings. Hidden among the stored items were multiple boxes belonging to Foreman, filled with memorabilia from his boxing career and personal life.

The discovery included various trophies commemorating his achievements, a driver’s license and the crown jewel of the collection: his 1968 Olympic gold medal. The daughter realized the historical significance of what she had found and decided to consign the medal to Lelands Auction.

Bidding war already underway

The medal is currently available through Lelands Auction, where collectors and boxing enthusiasts have already placed multiple bids despite the auction not closing until next Saturday. The early interest suggests strong demand for such a significant piece of sports history.

Olympic gold medals from legendary athletes rarely come to market, making this opportunity particularly notable for collectors. The medal represents not just Foreman’s achievement but a pivotal moment in Olympic boxing history and American sports.

Foreman went on to achieve remarkable success after his Olympic triumph. He won the heavyweight title by demolishing Joe Frazier in 1973, defended it twice, then lost to Muhammad Ali in the famous Rumble in the Jungle in 1974. After a decade away from boxing, he mounted an improbable comeback that culminated in regaining the heavyweight championship at age 45 in 1994.

Beyond his boxing achievements, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur and television personality, most famously lending his name to the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide.

A tangible piece of boxing history

For serious collectors, the medal offers a direct connection to one of boxing’s most beloved figures and a defining moment in Olympic sports. The 1968 Mexico City Games marked an important chapter in Olympic history, and Foreman’s dominant performance remains one of the tournament’s most memorable boxing exhibitions.

The auction provides a rare chance to own a piece of memorabilia directly tied to Foreman’s first major triumph on the world stage. As bidding continues through next weekend, the final price will reflect both the medal’s historical importance and Foreman’s enduring legacy in sports and popular culture.

Story credit: TMZ