The life of the renowned boxer George Foreman is the subject of the biographical sports drama film “Big George Foreman.” The movie depicts his ups and downs and how he keeps going even when everything around him appears hopeless. His success story serves as motivation, but it also emphasises the value of having others root for you. Charles “Doc” Broadus, who changes Foreman’s life by introducing him to boxing, is one of those persons.
In the film, Broadus meets Foreman when the latter is still a teen and so filled with fury that he frequently starts fights. Broadus encourages Foreman to pursue his dream of being one of the greatest boxers in history rather than pushing him away into a life of insignificance. He twice assists Foreman in reaching his full potential and winning the heavyweight title. If you want to know more about Broadus, we’ve got you covered.
How Did Doc Broadus Die?
On October 14, 2008, Charles “Doc” Broadus passed away. Although the cause of his death has not been determined, he was in his late 80s and most likely passed away from natural causes. As one of the best boxing trainers, Broadus has earned a reputation for having trained Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Leon Spinks, and Michael Spinks. He allegedly earned the moniker “Doc” after using a scalpel to cut open a blister on one of his fighters’ thumbs. It’s interesting that he had no official training in medicine.
Broadus, who was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1919, began boxing at a young age. He reportedly went to a corner gym when he was eight years old to practise fighting his bullies. As a welterweight, Broadus amassed a 19-1 record after becoming pro as an adult. He stopped fighting after his first defeat and turned to coaching. He gave tribute to Chappy Blackmon and Eddie Futch as his role models and teachers, both of whom taught him a lot.
Broadus, an Air Force Sergeant, participated in the conflict. He was employed by the Job Corps and ran a gym at the Pleasanton complex in 1965. He was contacted one evening after Foreman was accused of “trying to beat up everybody.” Broadus claimed that the latter, who was 16 at the time, “took the door off the hinges, beat up a kid, and threw him out the window.”
Broadus remarked, “He was a big guy, but he didn’t seem to care about anything.” He was often in trouble and would either be sent home to Texas or to the penitentiary that was directly across the street. The boxing trainer added, “I told him, ‘Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?'” The Job Corps counsellors intended to send Foreman to prison after his outburst, but Broadus recognised his potential and directed him towards boxing. What follows is history.
The remainder of his life was spent training boxers at the Las Vegas Boxing Centre. Additionally, he established Doc Broadus Sports & Entertainment, a non-profit group that aims to “improve the quality of life for local children by giving them the opportunity to compete and perform.” His entire life was devoted to “using sports as a means of keeping kids out of trouble.” Broadus was admitted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998 for his achievements to the sport. The Godfather of Boxing: Legend of Doc Broadus, a film by Nathan Hill about his life and accomplishments, was released in 2005.
“At this stage, getting kids off the street is my main goal. I try to make them feel wanted, even if a lot of them don’t for a variety of reasons. I encourage them to make personal objectives. I assist them while they make an effort to succeed. They are mine when they walk through the door,” stated Broadus. He acknowledged that his involvement in boxing gave him the opportunity to influence the lives of young people. The legendary boxing coach saw it as his vocation and persevered through the end.
