Great George Foreman Dead
Former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, known for his iconic fights and remarkable comeback, died at 76. Foreman, who famously lost to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” before reclaiming the heavyweight title two decades later, passed away on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, his family confirmed.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025,” the Foreman family shared in a statement on Instagram. “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.”
George Foreman Dead at 76: A Boxing Legend Remembered
Fondly known as “Big George,” Foreman rose from humble beginnings to become an Olympic gold medallist and a two-time world heavyweight champion. Over a professional career spanning decades, he fought 81 times, winning 76 bouts, including 68 by knockout.
Born in Houston, Texas, on January 10, 1949, Foreman grew up in challenging circumstances. By the age of 13, he stood 6-foot-2 and weighed 200 pounds. Dropping out of school at 16, Foreman found his calling in boxing. His raw power and determination led him to a gold medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
Foreman’s professional career skyrocketed after he demolished reigning champion Joe Frazier in two rounds to claim the heavyweight title. However, his most famous bout came in 1974 when he faced Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire. Despite his physical dominance, Foreman was outmaneuvered by Ali’s “rope-a-dope” strategy and lost in the eighth round.
“I just couldn’t believe I’d lost the world title,” Foreman later reflected. “It was the most embarrassing moment of my life.”
George Foreman Dead at 76: His Stunning Comeback Story
After retiring in 1977 following a loss to Jimmy Young, Foreman became an ordained minister. A decade later, driven by a desire to fund his youth centre, he made a surprising comeback. Despite his age and changed physique, Foreman won 21 consecutive bouts and eventually earned another shot at the heavyweight title.
In 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to reclaim the heavyweight crown, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history. His remarkable comeback solidified his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest fighters.
George Foreman Dead at 76: Beyond the Boxing Ring
Outside of boxing, Foreman achieved celebrity status with the wildly successful “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” a product that became a household name. His warm persona in advertisements endeared him to fans beyond the boxing world.
Foreman married four times and had 12 children, including five sons, all named George Edward Foreman. “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together,” he explained.
George Foreman Dead at 76: Tributes Pour In
Tributes from the boxing community and beyond have poured in to honor Foreman’s life and legacy. Fellow former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson praised him on social media, stating, “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.” Boxing promoter Bob Arum remembered him as “one of the biggest punchers and personalities the sport has ever seen.”
George Foreman’s impact on boxing and popular culture remains indelible. His life story, marked by triumph, loss, and redemption, will continue to inspire future generations.
