George Foreman Defends Bob Arum As Promoter After Terence Crawford Accuses Him Of Racism

George Foreman has defended Bob Arum.

On Tuesday, Terence Crawford filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $10 million against Arum and Top Rank in Nevada District Court. He claims Arum and Top Rank are racist towards promotion Black fighters.

The lawsuit states: “Top Rank fraudulently promised to arrange for Crawford to fight Errol Spence Jr. despite knowing that Top Rank could never deliver the promised match. Top Rank also failed to deliver a promised second bout under the parties’ promotional rights agreement. Top Rank apparently had no qualms about lying to a Black fighter or failing to respect its contractual obligations to him, though it would never treat one of its white fighters with such blatant disrespect.”

However, Foreman, who is one of the many Black fighters Arum has promoted, disagrees with Crawford’s allegation.

“He’s not a saint, but Bob Arum is one of the finest men I know,” said Foreman, who celebrated his 73rd birthday on Monday (via Yahoo! Sports). “You could call me about 25 other guys, 30 other guys, and ask me that question and I wouldn’t return the call. But not this one. Nuh-uh. He’s got a passion for his fellow man.”

After the news of the lawsuit, Arum also released a statement denying him or Top Rank being racist towards Black fighters.

“Bud Crawford’s lawsuit against Top Rank is frivolous,” Arum wrote. “Its vile accusations of racism are reckless and indefensible. He knows it and his lawyer [Bryan J. Freedman] knows it. I have spent my entire working life as a champion of black boxers, Latino boxers and other boxers of color. I have no doubt the court will see Crawford’s case for the malicious extortion attempt that it is.”

George Foreman finished his career with a record of 76-5 and ended with a majority decision loss to Shannon Briggs. He was the two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist. He also competed against the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield, and Ken Norton among countless others.

Terence Crawford, meanwhile, told Arum he would be testing free agency after his stoppage win over Shawn Porter.

What do you make of George Foreman sticking up for Bob Arum?