George Foreman won Olympic gold in 1968 and went on to become boxing's heavyweight champion in 1973. After a 10-year layoff, he returned to the ring and won world champion for the second time at the age of 45, before embarking on a successful post-boxing career as a pitchman and entrepreneur. In addition to being one of the most recognizable faces in sports-marketing today, George Foreman is also known for his involvement in several controversies throughout the course of his career. In 1978, he accused Italian boxer Joe Cali of using steroids, which led to a lawsuit that was eventually settled out of court. A year later, during the Leon Spinks vs. Larry Holmes fight for the title, it was reported that Foreman had attempted to bribe some judges; this allegation was never proven, but it did cause Foreman's sponsorship deals with KFC and Pepsi to be canceled. Overall, George Foreman is one of the greatest champions in boxing history and he has no doubts about that himself. He said in an interview with ESPN: "If I were to look back at my career, I would have to say that I achieved all that I set out to achieve. And more." Foreman began his professional career in 1969 at the age of 24. He went on to win the World Heavyweight Championship from Apollo Creed in 1973 by defeating him in the final round of their match.