George Foreman reflects on events in his life in biographical film

“You spend your life building a big fence, bricks and everything to cover up your life, to hide your life,” he said. “Then all of a sudden you have to reveal all those things you’re trying to hide. It’s not easy to tell a story about your life when you really spend your whole life hiding it.”

Seeing his struggles while growing up in poverty brought him to tears. He shared some regrets amidst his musings, citing the animosity he once felt towards Ali, who he was interested in becoming friends with long before Foreman was able to end their feud.

Foreman hopes the public will find inspiration in his personal journey of growth and resilience, he said. “The world needs to know that it never ends. There is always a chance to live again.”

Actor Khris Davis, who plays Foreman in the film, said the role was “one you dream of because you get to flex so many different facets of your abilities. Your body, your mind, your spirit all play a role.”

“Being able to skip timelines, being able to age. It’s one of the great challenges of acting, being able to stretch your body thin and wide and long and short, have physical contact and give that. If you have the opportunity and privilege to do so, it is something you will never forget. So, as an actor, I’m incredibly grateful to have had that opportunity.”

“Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World” hits theaters across the United States on April 28.