Texas to Honor Boxing Legend George Foreman with Memorial Service at Houston Wortham Theater

On Monday, April 15, Houston and the Foreman family will hold a public memorial ceremony to honor the great boxer, Olympic gold winner, and entrepreneur. The Wortham Theater Center at 501 Texas Avenue in downtown Houston will host the event at 11 a.m.

Houston's Fifth Ward native Foreman, 76, became famous worldwide for his powerful boxing style. In 1973, he defeated Joe Frazier to become heavyweight champion after winning the 1968 Olympics gold. After losing to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle," Foreman's comeback a decade later was remarkable. In 1994, he defeated Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title at 45.

Due to limited capacity, all in-person service tickets have been given. The public can watch the memorial on Houston Municipal Television's website and Facebook page.

The service will include family, friend, and boxer tributes. Houston Mayor John Whitmire will speak after Pastor George Foreman IV prays. Boxing tributes will be given by Michael Moorer. The Houston Symphony, University of Houston Choir, and guest vocalists will perform.

After boxing, Foreman preached and worked with youngsters through his George Foreman youngsters and Community Center. The family requests donations to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ or George Foreman Charitable Foundation in lieu of flowers.