Boxing Legend George Foreman Passes Away at 76
George Foreman, the renowned American heavyweight boxer and two-time world champion, has passed away at the age of 76, his family confirmed on Friday.
Nicknamed Big George, Foreman had one of the most extraordinary careers in boxing history. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1968 before securing the world heavyweight title twice—21 years apart. His 1994 victory at the age of 45 made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Foreman’s family expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a dedicated preacher, loving husband, caring father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. The tribute highlighted his legacy as a humanitarian, an Olympian, and a two-time world champion who was widely respected for his discipline and integrity.
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A Storied Boxing Career
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in a modest household alongside six siblings. He dropped out of school and, for a time, was involved in street crime before discovering boxing, which ultimately transformed his life.
He made his mark on the world stage at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, where he won gold in the heavyweight division at just 19 years old. Soon after turning professional, he amassed an incredible record, winning 37 consecutive fights.
Foreman captured his first world heavyweight title in 1973, when he dominated the undefeated Joe Frazier, knocking him down six times in two rounds to secure victory in Kingston, Jamaica.
However, it was his 1974 fight against Muhammad Ali, famously known as the “Rumble in the Jungle,” that became the defining moment of his career.
The historic bout, held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), saw Foreman enter as the favorite. However, Ali’s legendary rope-a-dope strategy exhausted him, leading to a knockout in the eighth round. Despite the loss, Foreman later reflected that it was “the best thing that ever happened to me,” as it led him toward his true calling—preaching.
From Boxing to Preaching
Following a second professional defeat in 1977, Foreman shocked the sports world by retiring and becoming an ordained minister. He established the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, dedicating his life to faith and community service.
In 1987, after a decade away from the sport, he made an unexpected return to boxing—initially to raise funds for a youth center he had founded. Defying expectations, he won 24 consecutive fights before challenging Evander Holyfield for the heavyweight title in 1991, a match he lost after 12 intense rounds.
However, in 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman stunned the world by defeating Michael Moorer, an undefeated champion at the time, to reclaim the world heavyweight title. This victory made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a record that still stands.
Life Beyond the Ring
Outside of boxing, Foreman became a global household name with the launch of the George Foreman Grill in 1994. The popular kitchen appliance became a massive success, selling millions of units worldwide and earning him an estimated $200 million in endorsements.
Foreman was married five times and had 12 children, including five sons—all named George. Explaining this unique decision, he once said, “I named them after me so they would always have something in common. If one of us succeeds, we all succeed together.”
