Boxing Legend George Foreman Dies at 76
George Foreman, an iconic figure in boxing history, has died at the age of 76. News of his death was shared by his family on social media on Friday.
Sudden Passing
Foreman had not publicly disclosed any recent health concerns. His last post on Instagram was shared 19 weeks prior to his death.
Boxing Achievements
Known as ‘Big George’, Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion. He also achieved Olympic gold at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Beyond the Ring: Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond boxing, Foreman gained significant recognition as an entrepreneur. He famously created the George Foreman Grill, a popular countertop appliance that cooks food from both sides simultaneously.
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Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of his death, tributes quickly emerged from around the globe. Boxing contemporaries and admirers mourned the loss of one of the sport’s all-time greats.
A Lasting Legacy
Foreman’s influence extended beyond the boxing ring, leaving an indelible mark across eight decades.
George Foreman: An icon in boxing history
Foreman passed away on Friday at 76
George Foreman’s Family Life
Spouse: Mary Joan Martelly
George Foreman was married five times throughout his life. Mary Joan Martelly was his wife from 1985 until his passing.
His previous marriages include:
- Adrienne Calhoun (1971-1974)
- Cynthia Lewis (1977-1979)
- Sharon Goodson (brief marriage of one year)
- Andrea Skeete (1982-1985)
Martelly was featured alongside Foreman and his children in the family’s announcement post.
Mary Joan Martelly was Foreman’s wife from 1985
Children: A Large Family
Foreman is survived by 12 children, including five sons and seven daughters.
Notably, all five sons are named George. To differentiate them, nicknames were given to all except George Foreman Jr., the eldest son. These include:
- George III (‘Monk’)
- George IV (‘Big Wheel’)
- George V (‘Red’)
- George VI (‘Little Joey’)
His daughters, Natalia and Leola, are from his marriage to Martelly. He also adopted two daughters, Courtney and Brandie. His other daughters are Freeda, Michi, and Georgetta. Freeda tragically died in 2019.
Foreman’s five sons are all named George
George Foreman with a son and Leola in 2019
George Foreman’s Net Worth and Business Acumen
Financial Success
George Foreman’s estimated net worth was approximately $300 million. The majority of this wealth, around two-thirds, stemmed from his successful George Foreman Grill.
While boxers of Foreman’s era, including contemporaries like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, did not benefit from the immense pay-per-view earnings and endorsement deals common today, Foreman’s heavyweight championships would likely have translated to far greater financial rewards in the modern boxing landscape.
The George Foreman Grill Phenomenon
Sources suggest Foreman earned around $200 million from the George Foreman Grill alone, though he never officially confirmed the exact amount.
At its peak popularity, the George Foreman Grill generated an estimated $4.5 million per month for Foreman.
George Foreman Grill: A significant source of wealth
Foreman’s boxing record: 76-5
George Foreman’s Boxing Legacy
An Unforgettable Comeback
Foreman is celebrated for one of the most remarkable comebacks in sports history. He achieved significant success in his late 40s, joining a select group of athletes like Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, and Gordie Howe who have excelled at an advanced age.
Boxing Record and “Rumble in the Jungle”
Foreman concluded his professional boxing career with a record of 76 wins and 5 losses. Notably, he was only knocked out once.
That defeat, however, occurred in what is perhaps his most famous fight: the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ against Muhammad Ali, witnessed by over 60,000 spectators in Africa.
Career Timeline
Foreman’s boxing career can be divided into two phases:
- First Retirement (1977): Foreman initially retired in 1977.
- Comeback (1987-1997): He returned to boxing in 1987 and achieved a 31-3 record in this second stint. He won his first 24 comeback fights before a loss to Evander Holyfield in 1991.
- Final Retirement (1997): Foreman permanently retired after losing to Shannon Briggs in November 1997.
Historic Title Win
At 46, Foreman’s tenth-round knockout victory over Michael Moorer is considered an extraordinary sporting achievement. This win secured him the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles, solidifying his place in boxing history.