Two women have accused former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman of sexually abusing them when they were minors in the 1970s, according to lawsuits filed this week.
One of the women is described as the daughter of one of Foreman’s advisors and managers, according to the documents, while the second woman is the daughter of a boxer who trained with him.
They are asking for a jury trial and damages against Foreman and anyone who may also be responsible for the alleged abuses. These additional parties could be added to the lawsuit as more information becomes available in the case, the documents said
Foreman denied the allegations in a statement Wednesday.
“In the last six months, two women have each attempted to extort millions of dollars from me and my family. They falsely claim that I sexually abused them over 45 years ago in the 1970’s. I strongly and categorically deny these allegations,” he said.
“The pride I take in my reputation means as much to me as my sporting achievements and I am not intimidated by unfounded threats and lies. I am and always will be guided by my faith and trust in God. I will work with my attorneys to fully and truthfully uncover my accusers’ plan and defend myself in court. I don’t argue, but I don’t run from them either,” Foreman added.
The lawsuits, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, do not name Foreman but provide identifying details, including that the alleged perpetrator is “a former professional heavyweight boxer turned pro in 1969″ who was inducted into both World Boxing Halls of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame.” The suits also say the defendant became the world heavyweight champion in 1973, eventually losing the title to Muhammad Ali in 1974.
One of the alleged victims, identified as Denise S. in the lawsuit, says she was groomed by the boxer “at a young age” and alleges Foreman engaged in sexual activity with Denise S. when she was a minor, sources say in the lawsuit.
The second alleged victim, identified as Gwen H., alleges Foreman molested and sexually abused her between the ages of 15 and 16 after he “threatened that her father would lose his job if they didn’t comply.” would”.
CNN has reached out to lawyers for both women.
Foreman, boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, twice defended the coveted world heavyweight title before losing it to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle”. He took a long hiatus from competing in the late 1970s before resuming his career and becoming world heavyweight champion again before finally retiring in 1997.