Boxing Legend George Foreman Passes Away at 76

 

Former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, a titan of the sport known for his ferocious power, iconic comeback, and larger-than-life personality, has passed away at the age of 76.

Foreman’s family confirmed his passing in a statement, revealing that he died peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. 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,” the family shared on Instagram.

Nicknamed "Big George," Foreman’s name is etched in boxing history. He fought 81 professional bouts, securing 76 victories, with an astonishing 68 wins by knockout.

His rise to fame began in 1968 when he won Olympic gold in the super-heavyweight division at the Mexico City Games. Turning professional, he dismantled Joe Frazier in two rounds in 1973 to claim the heavyweight title.

But his most legendary moment came in 1974, in the “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali. Despite being the undefeated champion, Foreman fell victim to Ali’s "rope-a-dope" strategy and lost in the eighth round.

“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.” – George Foreman

Following another defeat in 1977, Foreman retired at just 28 years old after experiencing a religious awakening. He became an ordained minister, but ten years later, he shocked the world by returning to the ring.

Many dismissed his comeback as a gimmick—he was older, heavier, and far removed from his prime. But Foreman proved doubters wrong, fighting 21 times over three years. Though he lost title shots against Evander Holyfield (1991) and Tommy Morrison (1993), he wasn’t done yet.

In 1994, at the age of 45, he stunned the boxing world by knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round, reclaiming the heavyweight championship—20 years after losing it to Ali. This made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history at 45 years and 299 days old.

Outside the ring, Foreman became a global icon through his best-selling "George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine," which sold over 100 million units and made him a multimillionaire.

Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum paid tribute to him, calling him:

“One of the biggest punchers and personalities the sport has ever seen.”

Born on January 10, 1949, in Houston, Texas, Foreman had a rough upbringing. As a troubled teen, he turned to crime before finding discipline and purpose in boxing.

Married four times, Foreman fathered 10 children and adopted two more. Notably, he named all five of his sons George Edward Foreman, explaining:

“If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together!”

George Foreman’s legacy as a two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and pop culture phenomenon will endure. His impact on boxing and beyond remains unmatched, cementing his place among the greatest athletes of all time.

Rest in power, Big George.