BIOS |
At only 25 years old, junior middleweight prospect Yuri Foreman has seen more of the world than most will see in a lifetime. From Belarus to Israel to the United States, this young man has seen the good and the bad everywhere, but all the while, his focus remained true to his dream of one day becoming a world champion. That dream may become a reality sooner, rather than later. A native of Gomel, Belarus, Foreman (who began boxing at age seven) moved with his family to Haifa, Israel when he was 11 years old. It was a bit of a culture shock for the youngster. “It was difficult for the first couple of years,” said Foreman of growing up in Israel. “I was 11 years old when we moved to Israel and I was missing my friends, my grandma. Sometimes there was discrimination between Russians and the Jews. The Russians were also Jewish but the Israeli people would call us Russians and say that we don’t deserve to be there, and there would be fights in school between the immigrants and the Israelis. But it was all right. Sometimes it was hard with the suicide bombings, but after so many, it becomes kind of normal. People are sad for one day and they just continue to do their things everyday.” In Israel, Foreman went to school and worked tirelessly to help his family, and wasn’t able to continue with his love for the sweet science of boxing until he was 15. But once he put the gloves back on, three national amateur championships followed. Unfortunately though, with pro boxing not being a viable option in Israel, Yuri moved to the United States at 18. “On my second day in the States I was already working,” remembered Foreman, who had to juggle a full work day with his boxing training at Brooklyn’s famous Gleason’s Gym. “It was difficult because it was a completely different lifestyle. You have to work and you have to train. The first time I came here I saw so many boxers here. It was completely different because people love boxing here. In Israel they don’t. There are two main sports over there, soccer and basketball. When I came to the States my eyes just opened. I saw so many talented boxers and if there’s any local show people just go there to support and watch boxing.” Soon, New York fans were supporting Foreman, who won a 2001 New York Golden Gloves title and then retired his amateur record at 76-5. The pros beckoned, and on January 24, 2002, before a packed house in New York City, Foreman stopped Israel Felix in a single round. It’s been a non-stop thrill ride since then for Foreman, who won five more times in 2002, and added six wins to his ledger in 2003. In 2004, Team Foreman started ramping up the level of competition for the rising star, and Yuri responded, decisioning 98 fight veteran Anthony Ivory and once beaten prospect Calvin Shakir among his four wins that year. All the while, Foreman, who was married in 2003 to Leyla Leidecker - a Hungarian model as well as an amateur boxer - has stayed dedicated to his craft, not falling prey to the nightlife that destroys so many young fighters’ careers. “I actually never do that,” said Foreman. “I’m not interested in clubs or all that. I’m more interested in going fishing or something.” Trainer Tommy Brooks agrees when it comes to Foreman’s work ethic. “He wants to be the champion of the world, he knows he has to make certain sacrifices, and he’s willing to make them,” said Brooks of Foreman. “That’s what makes me want to help the guy so much.” In 2005, Foreman has gotten even better, decisioning Jesus Soto-Karass in February, and shutting out previously unbeaten (16-0) Kevin Cagle in May. The Cagle fight was Foreman’s Showtime television debut, and on October 21st, Yuri moves to the pay-per-view side of the business when he battles tough veteran Troy Lowry at the Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida. With a win, he’ll move one step closer to the top guns at 154 pounds. “Right now I think I can give them a really tough time, but to be honest with you, in a couple of months I’m gonna be ready for them,” said Foreman. “Maybe in the beginning of 2006, if everything goes well in those fights coming up, I’m gonna fight for a world championship.” |
