George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medalist, has passed away at the age of 76. Known as “Big George,” he built one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in boxing, capturing the heavyweight title twice—21 years apart. His second title win at age 45 made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Foreman first claimed the world title in 1973 after knocking down undefeated champion Joe Frazier six times in two rounds. However, he lost it a year later in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali, a fight that remains one of the most iconic bouts in boxing history.
Over his career, Foreman amassed 76 wins, including an astonishing 68 knockouts—nearly double that of Ali. He retired in 1997, but not before securing a lucrative legacy outside the ring by lending his name to the George Foreman Grill, a business venture that ultimately earned him more than his boxing career.
His family announced his passing on Instagram, 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 also described him as “a humanitarian, an Olympian, and a two-time heavyweight champion of the world” who was deeply respected and fought tirelessly to protect his legacy.
Tributes poured in from across the boxing world. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.” The Ring magazine, often called the “Bible of Boxing,” honored him as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time” and an “icon of the sport forever.”
From Troubled Youth to Boxing Glory
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in poverty, raised by his single mother alongside six siblings in the segregated South. As a teenager, he dropped out of school and turned to street crime before finding salvation in boxing.
At just 19 years old, he won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, an achievement that propelled him into the professional ranks. He began his pro career with a stunning 37-fight winning streak.
In 1974, Foreman faced Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). The younger and stronger Foreman was heavily favored, with experts predicting he would dismantle Ali quickly. However, Ali used his now-famous “rope-a-dope” tactic, absorbing Foreman’s punches until the older fighter capitalized on his fatigue and knocked him out in the eighth round.
Following a second professional loss, Foreman shocked the world by retiring in 1977 to become an ordained minister. He later described his defeat to Ali as “the best thing that ever happened to me,” as it led him to his true calling—preaching.
He founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, starting with small gatherings in homes before establishing a full congregation.
A Historic Comeback
In 1987, Foreman made a stunning return to boxing at the age of 38, aiming to raise funds for a youth center he had founded. Despite skepticism, he won 24 straight fights before losing a title bout to Evander Holyfield in 1991.
Then, in 1994, he defied the odds by knocking out undefeated champion Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title at age 45—becoming the oldest world champion in history.
The Business Empire & Personal Life
Beyond boxing, Foreman became a household name through his endorsement of the George Foreman Grill, which launched in 1994 and went on to sell millions of units worldwide. His catchphrase, the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine,” became instantly recognizable.
Foreman was married five times and had 12 children, including five sons, all named George. He explained his decision, saying he wanted them to “always have something in common.”
“If one of us goes up, then we all go up together,” he said. “And if one goes down, we all go down together!”
Foreman’s legacy extends beyond his achievements in the ring. He will be remembered not only as one of boxing’s greatest champions but also as a man of faith, resilience, and reinvention.
