Boxing icon George Foreman dies at the age of 76, leaving behind a towering legacy as a two-time world heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, preacher, and entrepreneur.
Known as “Big George,” Foreman’s career was among the most extraordinary in boxing history. He won the Olympic heavyweight gold in 1968, became heavyweight champion in 1973, and—remarkably—regained the title in 1994 at age 45, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
His family confirmed the news in a statement on Instagram, describing Foreman as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father… a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy.”
A Fighter in and Out of the Ring
Foreman’s boxing career saw 76 wins, 68 by knockout, with only five losses. One of his most memorable bouts was the legendary Rumble in the Jungle in 1974, where he faced Muhammad Ali in Zaire. Though Foreman entered as the favorite, Ali’s “rope-a-dope” strategy wore him down, leading to an eighth-round knockout.
Despite that loss, Foreman viewed it as life-changing. After retiring in 1977, he became an ordained minister and founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, Texas. He later said the defeat helped him discover his faith and purpose.
Comeback and Business Success
Foreman stunned the world by returning to boxing in 1987, initially to raise money for a youth center. In 1994, he made history again by knocking out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title at age 45.
Outside the ring, Foreman became a pop-culture icon thanks to the George Foreman Grill, famously branded as the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine.” It became a massive commercial success, reportedly earning him more than boxing ever did.
Tributes from Across the Sport
Tributes poured in from around the boxing world. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” while The Ring magazine described him as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.”
Foreman’s inspirational journey—from troubled youth to Olympic gold, world champion, minister, and millionaire entrepreneur—captured the admiration of millions.
Family and Legacy
Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949 and raised by a single mother with six siblings, Foreman overcame a tough upbringing, including time spent on the streets, to become one of the most celebrated figures in sports.
He was married five times and fathered 12 children, including five sons all named George. “I say to them, ‘If one of us goes up, then we all go up together,’” he once said.
Foreman’s story was not just about boxing—it was about redemption, faith, and perseverance. His impact will live on for generations in and out of the ring.
