Foreman exchanging punches with Muhammad Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight
George Foreman, the celebrated heavyweight boxing icon, has died aged 76 passed away at the age of 76, his family has announced.
Nicknamed “Big George” in boxing circles, the American athlete competed professionally for several decades beginning in the 1960s. He secured an Olympic gold medal and claimed numerous championship titles, including the world heavyweight title on two occasions.
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Born George Edward Foreman on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, his amateur boxing career reached its zenith at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. There, he earned a gold medal and famously waved a small US flag following his victory.
In his autobiography, Foreman stated that waving the flag was “as much for myself as for the country.”
“I was letting informing everyone know who I was of my identity and at the same time saying that expressing I was proud to be an American,” he wrote.
Early Professional Career and World Title
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After turning professional in 1969, Foreman ascended the ranks quickly. By 1972, he had amassed a winning streak of 37 bouts, with 35 victories achieved by knockout. His first opportunity at the world heavyweight championship occurred in 1973, where he defeated Joe Frazier, the then-undefeated world champion, by knockout.
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Foreman won secured the title at age 24 and successfully defended it twice.
Rumble in the Jungle
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Foreman subsequently lost his heavyweight title to Muhammad Ali in their renowned 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” match. Ali employed the “rope-a-dope” strategy, spending eight rounds leaning against the ropes to exhaust Foreman.
He once described this defeat as the “most embarrassing moment” of his life.
“I just couldn’t believe I’d lost Disbelief overwhelmed me at losing the world title,” he stated, adding, “It transitioned from pride to pity. That’s devastating.”
Foreman acknowledged his opponent, Ali, as “the toughest human being most formidable individual I ever had an encounter with faced.”
Turning to Religion
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A significant life change occurred in 1977. Shortly after a loss to American boxer Jimmy Young, Foreman retired from boxing and embraced religion, becoming an ordained minister in 1978. He later established the George Foreman Youth and Community Center and the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He informed the BBC that his defeat by Ali became the “best thing that ever happened to me” as it ultimately guided him to “get my message out” through preaching.
Boxing Comeback and Later Career
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After nearly a decade away from professional boxing, Foreman decided to return to the ring in 1987 to raise funds for his youth center. During his successful return, he secured 24 victories before a defeat to Evander Holyfield after 12 rounds in 1991.
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In 1994, Foreman ventured into a new enterprise, becoming the spokesperson for the George Foreman Grill, also known as the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine.” In the boxing world, that same year he became the oldest heavyweight champion at age 45. He retired from boxing three years later, in 1997, with an impressive record of 76 wins and 5 losses.
Family and Legacy
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Foreman had 12 children, including five sons all named George. He is pictured here with his son George III. He once explained that he named them after himself so “they would always have something in common.” He continued his church work until his passing, preaching at his ministry four times per week, according to his website.
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