Boxing Legend George Foreman Passes Away at 76
George Foreman, the Hall of Fame boxer and successful entrepreneur, has died at the age of 76. The news was announced by his family in a heartfelt Instagram post on his official account.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. He died peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.
Foreman, renowned as a heavyweight champion, was also described by his family as “a devoted preacher, a loving husband, a caring father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.”
The family further highlighted his multifaceted life: “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and a two-time heavyweight world champion. He earned immense respect as aForce for good, a man of unwavering discipline and conviction, dedicated to safeguarding his legacy for his family.”
“We appreciate the overwhelming support and prayers during this difficult time and respectfully request privacy as we celebrate the remarkable life of a man we were privileged to call our own.”
A Storied Boxing Career
Known for his intimidating presence and powerful punches, “Big George” Foreman first gained global recognition in the boxing ring. He suffered his first title defeat against Muhammad Ali in the iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” match. However, decades later, Foreman demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning as a more approachable and affable personality to reclaim the heavyweight crown by knocking out Michael Moorer.
From Ring to Grill: A Second Act
Foreman’s extraordinary comeback extended beyond boxing. His astute business acumen, particularly his lucrative endorsement of fat-reducing electric cooking grills, transformed him into a symbol of personal reinvention and achievement.
Early Life and Path to Boxing
Born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, George Foreman’s early years were marked by hardship. His family relocated to Houston shortly after his birth, where he and his six siblings were raised by a single mother. Growing up in poverty in the segregated American South, Foreman left school in junior high and engaged in street crime.
The Job Corps program, a component of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” initiative, proved to be a turning point. Foreman later acknowledged the program as his salvation. At 16, the program provided him with an escape from Texas and encouraged him to channel his aggression and physical stature into boxing.
Olympic Gold and Professional Rise
At 19, Foreman’s boxing prowess culminated in winning a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in his 25th amateur bout. Turning professional, he achieved an impressive streak of 37 consecutive victories, setting the stage for a title fight against then-reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica. Foreman secured the title with a technical knockout in the second round.
The Rumble in the Jungle
Foreman successfully defended his title twice before his legendary clash with Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. This bout became one of boxing history’s most celebrated events.
Ali, who had been stripped of his title seven years prior for refusing military conscription during the Vietnam War, entered the match as the underdog against the younger, more powerful champion. Employing his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, Ali absorbed Foreman’s forceful blows for seven rounds, ultimately tiring his opponent and securing a knockout victory in the eighth round.
“I was an incredibly strong, hard-hitting heavyweight fighter,” Foreman reflected in a 2007 interview with Reuters. “I was a knockout machine, and that fight was the first time I gave it my all and it wasn’t enough.”
From Boxing to Ministry
The defeat deeply impacted Foreman. Following a year-long hiatus from boxing and a subsequent professional loss, he retired in 1977 and dedicated himself to religion, becoming an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Later Comeback and Entrepreneurial Success
A decade later, carrying significantly more weight at 315 lbs, Foreman staged an unexpected return to boxing to generate funds for a youth center he established in Texas. This marked the beginning of a remarkable second act in his boxing career.
He went on an impressive run of 24 consecutive wins, gradually losing weight and regaining his formidable boxing shape. In 1991, he faced Evander Holyfield, losing in a 12-round decision. However, Foreman’s determination prevailed. In 1994, at the age of 45, he achieved boxing history by knocking out the undefeated southpaw Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion ever.
Retirement and Enduring Legacy
Foreman’s final professional fight took place in 1997, concluding a career with an outstanding record of 76 wins and five losses.
Married multiple times earlier in life, Foreman found lasting partnership with Mary Joan Martelly in 1985, his fifth marriage, which endured for the remainder of his life. He was father to five sons, all named George, five biological daughters, and two adopted daughters.
Commercial Ventures and the Foreman Grill
Throughout the 1990s and following his retirement from the ring, Foreman became a prominent and enthusiastic spokesperson for various products. His most notable endorsement was for an electric grill manufactured by Salton Inc. In 1999, the company acquired the rights to use Foreman’s name on the grill and other merchandise for a sum of $137.5 million.
“I genuinely believe in every product I endorse,” Foreman stated in his autobiography, “By George.” “That authenticity is what resonates with people. It’s the same principle as preaching.”