Foreman is coming to town

JAKARTA (JP): To see Santa Claus, you'll have for December. But if you want to meet George Foreman in person, today is the day. Yes, Big George is coming to town!

The middle-aged man, who took the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation crowns after flooring the world number one heavyweight Michael Moorer last year, will arrive at Soekarno-Hatta airport at two o'clock this afternoon.

Foreman's Indonesian visit is part of his farewell tour in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite his upset win over Moorer, and his controversial win over Germany's Axel Schultz, many consider 47- year-old Big George too old to throw the gauntlet to today's opponents, who are as old as his sons. A farewell to the tough sport is certainly not much ado about nothing.

"Continuing his boxing career would make him uneasy. The very thought of defending his crown is enough to keep his nerves on edge," his promoter Bob Arum once said.

The World Boxing Association withdrew Foreman's title after he took on Axel Schultz instead of number one contender Tony Tucker. Foreman also gave up his International Boxing Federation crown for refusing a rematch against Schultz.

But now, this grandpa may be retracing all the bullying steps he has taken. In Jakarta, he will appear on RCTI's entertainment program on Monday. Foreman, who is a reverend, is also scheduled to visit the Christian church Emmanuel in Pejambon, Central Jakarta tomorrow.

RCTI's public relation officer, Edward Depari, said the station, in cooperation with local promoter A Seng, provided Rp 1 billion (US$545,000) to bring the former heavyweight champion here, Rp 200 million of which is due to Foreman as an appearance fee.

Foreman will stay in town for three days. On Aug. 22 entertainment programs await his presence in Surabaya, East Java. He will have a trip to Bali before flying back here on Aug. 24. Foreman will leave for Sydney the next day. (arf)