Professional Boxer. Born MacArthur Foster, he was raised in Fresno, California, one of 11 children. After attending Washington High School, he turned down a track and field scholarship to Fresno State University in order to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After his military discharge he began his professional career, and from 1966 to 1970 amassed 24 consecutive wins, all by way of knockout. Among his memorable fights of that period were back-to-back contests against highly regarded contender Cleveland Williams. Foster was named Ring Magazine's Progress of the Year in 1969, and earned number one contender status in the Heavyweight Division, before suffering a sixth round knockout loss to Jerry Quarry at Madison Square Garden in June 1970. Foster would win the next four fights, including a first round knockout victory over a past-his-prime former contender Zora Folley (which was Folley's final fight), before losing a 15 round unanimous decision to Muhammad Ali in Japan in 1972. Foster retired as a boxer in 1976, compiling a career 30 win, 6 loss record in 36 bouts. All of his victories were by way of knockout. Following his fighting career, he taught boxing and worked with youth groups. He died from congestive heart failure.
Professional Boxer. Born MacArthur Foster, he was raised in Fresno, California, one of 11 children. After attending Washington High School, he turned down a track and field scholarship to Fresno State University in order to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After his military discharge he began his professional career, and from 1966 to 1970 amassed 24 consecutive wins, all by way of knockout. Among his memorable fights of that period were back-to-back contests against highly regarded contender Cleveland Williams. Foster was named Ring Magazine's Progress of the Year in 1969, and earned number one contender status in the Heavyweight Division, before suffering a sixth round knockout loss to Jerry Quarry at Madison Square Garden in June 1970. Foster would win the next four fights, including a first round knockout victory over a past-his-prime former contender Zora Folley (which was Folley's final fight), before losing a 15 round unanimous decision to Muhammad Ali in Japan in 1972. Foster retired as a boxer in 1976, compiling a career 30 win, 6 loss record in 36 bouts. All of his victories were by way of knockout. Following his fighting career, he taught boxing and worked with youth groups. He died from congestive heart failure.
Bio by: C.S.
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