Women accuse boxing champ George Foreman of sexually abusing them as children

Offbeat news from the world of sport

We have more newsletters

Two women have accused former heavyweight champion George Foreman of sexually abusing them when they were children back in the 1970s – allegations he denies.

One accused Foreman of grooming her when she was eight-years-old and then having sex with her when she was 15, while the other accused him of sexually abusing and raping her when she was 15 and 16-years-old.

Foreman, 73, strenuously denies the allegations, branding them "baseless lies".

Both women, now in their 60s, filed separate lawsuits using their pseudonyms Gwen H and Denise F in Los Angeles County superior court on Wednesday.

They both claim to have met Foreman through their fathers, who were associates of the athlete at the time.

After the allegations initially hit the news in July, Foreman said in a statement: "Over the past six months, two women have been trying to extort millions of dollars each from me and my family. 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 accomplishments, and I will not be intimidated by baseless threats and lies."

He added: "I don't pick fights, but I don't run away from them either."

The two women are seeking a jury trial and damages against Mr Foreman and anyone who may also be responsible.

Foreman won Olympic gold in 1968 before turning professional shortly after. He won the world heavyweight title for the first time in 1973, beating the then-undefeated Joe Frazier. He then twice defended the belt before being beaten by Muhammad Ali in the legendary Rumble in the Jungle fight in Zaire in 1974.

The American won the title again two decades later aged 45, before retiring three years later in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) to five defeats.

• Boxing

Source: Read Full Article