George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, died at 76, his family confirmed.
Nicknamed “Big George,” Foreman built a legendary career spanning decades, winning the world heavyweight title twice—21 years apart. His second triumph at age 45 made him the oldest champion in history.
A Legacy in Boxing
Foreman first won the heavyweight championship in 1973 by defeating Joe Frazier in a stunning knockout victory. However, he lost the title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” bout in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Foreman retired in 1977 but made a remarkable comeback in 1987, eventually reclaiming the heavyweight title in 1994 by knocking out Michael Moorer.
Across his career, Foreman recorded 76 victories, including 68 knockouts, nearly double Muhammad Ali’s tally.
Tributes from Family
In a statement on Instagram, Foreman’s family expressed their grief, saying, “Our hearts are broken.”
“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” the statement read.
The family also described him as “a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name—for his family.”
From the Ring to the Pulpit
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in poverty alongside six siblings. He dropped out of school and turned to street crime before finding his way into boxing.
His career began with an Olympic gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Games. After turning professional, he won 37 consecutive fights before claiming his first heavyweight title.
Foreman’s 1974 loss to Ali, who employed his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, led to a turning point in his life. Following a second career defeat in 1977, he retired and became an ordained minister, establishing the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, Texas.
Foreman told the BBC in 2023, reflecting on his loss to Ali, “It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” as it paved the way for his religious mission.
A Business Icon
Foreman returned to boxing in 1987, initially to raise funds for a youth centre he founded. His comeback culminated in his 1994 victory over Michael Moorer, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Beyond the ring, he became a successful entrepreneur, earning millions from the George Foreman Grill. His endorsement of the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine” turned the product into a global phenomenon, outselling his boxing earnings.
A Large Family and Lasting Legacy
Foreman was married five times and had 12 children, including five sons, all named George.
“I named them after me so they would always have something in common,” he once said. “If one of us goes up, we all go up together. And if one goes down, we all go down together.”
His contributions to boxing, business, and faith leave behind an enduring legacy.
