George Foreman, the two-time world heavyweight champion known for his incredible boxing career and successful business ventures, has died at the age of 76.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement on March 21, 2025.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
Foreman was one of the most dominant fighters of his era, known for his powerful punches and relentless fighting style. Beyond boxing, he became a successful entrepreneur, preacher, and television personality, leaving a lasting impact on sports and business.
A Tough Beginning and a Meteoric Rise
Born in 1949 in Houston, Texas, Foreman had a rough childhood but found purpose through boxing. He was introduced to the sport while participating in the Job Corps, a program that helps underprivileged youth develop skills for a better future.
His younger brother, Roy, once described how George’s early years were filled with aggression. Roy told the BBC in 2024, “At 13 years old, George was about 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and the terrorist in the neighborhood. And when you’re bigger and stronger and think you’re better than everyone else, you take things.”
Boxing provided Foreman with the discipline he needed. He quickly rose through the amateur ranks, earning a spot in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. At just 19, he won the gold medal in the super-heavyweight division, marking the beginning of his legendary career.
A Dominant Force in Heavyweight Boxing
Foreman’s professional career took off after the Olympics. He became known for his brutal strength and knockout power, earning him the nickname “Big George.”
In 1973, he won the world heavyweight championship by demolishing Joe Frazier in just two rounds. The victory cemented his reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the sport.
But his most famous fight came a year later in 1974, when he defended his title against Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Foreman was the heavy favorite, entering the bout with a perfect 40-0 record. However, Ali used his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, letting Foreman exhaust himself before delivering a stunning knockout in the eighth round.
Foreman later admitted, “I just couldn’t believe I’d lost the world title. It was the most embarrassing moment of my life. It went from pride to pity. That’s devastating.”
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Spiritual Awakening and a Stunning Comeback
After losing to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman had a life-changing experience. He claimed to have a religious vision and decided to leave boxing at 28 to become a preacher.
For ten years, he devoted himself to his ministry, but financial struggles led him back to the ring in 1987. Many doubted his ability to compete, as he was older, heavier, and bald. But Foreman proved everyone wrong.
Over the next three years, he fought 21 times, winning 20 by knockout. In 1991, he challenged Evander Holyfield for the heavyweight title but lost on points.
Two years later, he faced Tommy Morrison and suffered another decision loss. Despite setbacks, Foreman was determined to reclaim his title.
Making History at 45
In 1994, Foreman achieved one of the most incredible moments in boxing history. At 45 years and 299 days old, he faced Michael Moorer for the heavyweight title.
Trailing on all scorecards, Foreman unleashed a powerful right hand in the 10th round, knocking Moorer out and reclaiming the heavyweight championship.
With that victory, he became the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Though he was later stripped of his WBA and IBF titles for refusing mandatory fights, he remained the “lineal” world champion. He continued fighting until 1997, retiring with a record of 76 wins and 5 losses, with 68 wins coming by knockout.
A Life Beyond Boxing
After retiring, Foreman became a successful businessman. He was best known for the George Foreman Grill, which became a global sensation, selling over 100 million units.
His charm and likability made him a popular figure on television. He also remained committed to his faith, hosting a TV show called Bad Dads in 1996, which focused on the importance of fatherhood.
Foreman was married four times and had 12 children. All five of his sons were named George Edward Foreman. He [Foreman] once explained, “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together!”
Foreman’s impact on boxing and beyond is undeniable. He was a two-time world champion, an Olympic gold medalist, a preacher, an entrepreneur, and a devoted father.
He reinvented himself multiple times, proving that comebacks are possible in both sports and life. As the world mourns his passing, his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in history will live on.