George Foreman, Boxing Legend, Dies at 76
George Foreman, the celebrated former world heavyweight champion, has passed away at the age of 76, his family announced via Instagram.
Family Statement
In a statement released on Foreman’s official account, his family expressed their deep sorrow: “Our hearts are heartbroken. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished George Edward Foreman St. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.”
The statement further highlighted Foreman’s multifaceted life: “A dedicated clergyman, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a life characterized by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
A Life Beyond the Ring
Beyond his boxing achievements, Foreman was remembered as a “humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion.” The family emphasized his widely respected nature, describing him as “a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, tirelessly fighting to safeguard his good name – for his family.”
“We are thankful for the outpouring of affection and prayers, and respectfully request privacy as we celebrate the remarkable life of a man we were privileged to call our own,” the statement concluded.
Boxing Career Highlights
Foreman’s boxing career was marked by significant accomplishments, including an Olympic gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Games and two world heavyweight titles. His return to the sport after retirement is considered one of the most remarkable comebacks in sports history, culminating in regaining the heavyweight crown.
Iconic Fights and Rivalries
George Foreman participated in some of boxing’s most memorable clashes. He faced Joe Frazier in the legendary 1971 “Fight of the Century” and Muhammad Ali in the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974.
Known as “Big George,” Foreman initially gained prominence as a powerful, intimidating puncher. Despite losing his first title to Ali in their celebrated bout, he later reinvented himself, displaying a more affable persona when he knocked out Michael Moorer to secure his second heavyweight title decades later.
The George Foreman Grill Legacy
Beyond boxing, Foreman achieved widespread fame through the George Foreman Grill. Since its launch in 1994, this product has sold over 100 million units, cementing his status as a successful entrepreneur.
Tributes Pour In
Mike Tyson shared a touching tribute to Foreman, posting photos of the two together with the message: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Early Life and Path to Boxing
Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949, Foreman’s family relocated to Houston shortly after. He and his six siblings were raised by their single mother. Growing up in poverty in the segregated American South, Foreman left school early and engaged in street robberies.
Foreman credited the Job Corps, a program initiated as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s ‘Great Society’ reforms, with transforming his life. “The Job Corps rescued me from the gutter,” he later wrote. Through this program, at the age of 16, Foreman moved away from Texas and was encouraged to channel his aggression and physical build into boxing.
Amateur and Early Professional Success
At 19, Foreman achieved Olympic gold in heavyweight boxing at the 1968 Olympics, marking his 25th amateur fight. Turning professional, he achieved 37 consecutive victories, leading to a title fight against then-champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica. Foreman won this bout with a technical knockout in the second round.
The Rumble in the Jungle
Foreman successfully defended his title twice before facing Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), in a match recognized as one of boxing history’s greatest.
Ali, who had been stripped of his title seven years prior due to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War, entered the fight as the underdog against the younger, larger champion. Employing his “rope-a-dope” strategy, Ali absorbed Foreman’s powerful blows for seven rounds, ultimately tiring Foreman and securing a knockout victory in the eighth round.
Reflections on the Ali Defeat and Comeback
“I was one strong heavyweight punching fighter,” Foreman reflected in a 2007 interview. “I was a punching machine, and that was the first time I gave it everything I had and nothing worked.”
The defeat profoundly impacted Foreman. He took a year away from boxing before returning to the ring. Following a second professional loss, he retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Unlikely Comeback and Second Title Reign
A decade later, weighing significantly more at 315 lbs, Foreman staged an unexpected return to boxing to raise funds for a youth center he had established in Texas.
He went on to win 24 consecutive fights, gradually losing weight during this period. In 1991, he faced Evander Holyfield, losing in a 12-round decision.
However, in 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman achieved boxing history by knocking out undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion ever.
Later Life and Family
Foreman’s final professional fight was in 1997, concluding a career with a record of 76 wins and five losses.
Married multiple times in the 1970s and 1980s, Foreman married Mary Joan Martelly in 1985, and they remained together for the rest of his life. He had five sons – all named George – five daughters and adopted two additional daughters.
Commercial Success
Throughout the 1990s and after retiring from boxing, Foreman became a prominent advertising figure, most notably for the electric grill manufactured by Salton Inc.
In 1999, Salton Inc. paid Foreman and his partners $137.5 million for the rights to use his name on the grill and other products, marking a significant business achievement.