George Foreman

The boxing world mourns the loss of George Foreman, a legendary heavyweight champion, who passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family.

Foreman, affectionately known as "Big George," carved out an extraordinary career in boxing. He secured Olympic gold in 1968 and became a two-time world heavyweight champion, with his second title win at age 45 making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history. His first reign ended in 1974 when he faced Muhammad Ali in the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" bout.

Foreman’s professional record included an impressive 76 victories, with 68 of those wins coming by knockout—nearly double the number achieved by Ali. He retired in 1997 but not before lending his name to a highly successful grill, which became a global sensation and earned him more wealth than his boxing career ever did.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, his family shared, "Our hearts are shattered. He was a man of faith, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life was defined by humility, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to his beliefs."

The statement continued, "As an Olympian, two-time heavyweight champion, and humanitarian, he was a beacon of discipline and integrity. He worked tirelessly to protect his legacy and ensure his name remained synonymous with honor."

Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in a segregated South, raised by a single mother alongside six siblings. After dropping out of school and engaging in petty crimes, he found solace in boxing. At just 19, he claimed the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, launching a professional career that saw him win 37 consecutive fights. Over his career, he suffered only five losses.

One of his most notable victories came in 1973 when he defeated the previously undefeated Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, knocking him down six times within the first two rounds. However, his 1974 match against Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), remains one of the most celebrated fights in boxing history. Ali, considered the underdog, employed the "rope-a-dope" strategy to exhaust Foreman, ultimately securing a knockout in the eighth round.

Reflecting on the fight decades later, Foreman admitted that the loss to Ali was a turning point in his life. He retired in 1977, became an ordained minister, and founded his own church in Texas. He often credited the defeat with leading him to a life of faith and service.

Foreman returned to the ring in 1987 to fund a youth center, winning 24 matches before losing to Evander Holyfield in 1991. In 1994, he made history again by defeating Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title at age 45.

Beyond boxing, Foreman became a household name thanks to the George Foreman Grill, a kitchen appliance that sold millions worldwide. His charismatic catchphrase, "Lean Mean Grilling Machine," became iconic.

Foreman was married five times and fathered 12 children, including five sons all named George. He explained that naming his sons after himself was a way to ensure they always shared a bond. "If one of us rises, we all rise together," he once said. "And if one falls, we all fall together.

Written by
Gerieke Olthof