Emotional George Foreman reveals how he 'died and came back to life' in resurfaced clip just two years before boxing legend's death aged 76

In a resurfaced interview clip, boxing Hall of Famer George Foreman shared a profound experience of ‘dying’ in his dressing room prior to his first retirement. This revelation comes to light following the announcement of his death at the age of 76.

The news of the esteemed heavyweight’s death was confirmed by his family on Saturday. Foreman’s legacy is punctuated by a remarkable career, notably his participation in the historic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ bout against Muhammad Ali.

Despite entering as the younger, favored fighter, the 25-year-old Foreman suffered a loss to Ali by unanimous decision. Many followers expressed surprise when he retired three years later, after another defeat to Jimmy Young.

Foreman stated that post-fight in the dressing room after the Young loss, he witnessed symbolic Christian imagery on his hands. This marked a turning point, leading him to become a devout Christian and an ordained minister.

In a past interview with I AM ATHLETE, Foreman elaborated on his spiritual awakening and the reasons behind his initial departure from professional boxing following the Jimmy Young match.

George Foreman disclosed a ‘death’ incident in the dressing room after his defeat to Jimmy Young, in a video that has resurfaced after his passing.

The two-time heavyweight champion passed away at 76, as announced by his family on social media.

Foreman previously credited his Christian faith as the reason for his initial decade-long hiatus from boxing.

“My life transformed,” Foreman explained. “I experienced death, a genuine death. Then, I was alive again.”

“[This experience] revolutionized my perspective, granting me a renewed opportunity at life. I gained a profound appreciation for humanity, recognizing humans as the most incredible creation, and I resolved to never inflict harm again driven by malice.”

“Returning to boxing later, I never threw a punch in anger,” he affirmed.

Initially, Foreman attributed his retirement to a waning passion for fighting, despite having secured the WBC heavyweight title just four years prior.

However, the setbacks against Ali and Young significantly contributed to his decision to step away from the ring.

After nearly a decade away from boxing, Foreman decided to stage a comeback in 1987. His motivation was to generate funds for his youth center, which was facing severe financial challenges.

When questioned about whether the ‘death’ experience was mental or physical, Foreman asserted, “Physical death. In the dressing room post-match, as I was cooling down, I transitioned into a fight for my very existence.”

“Stories of athletes dying after strenuous events raced through my mind – ‘This can’t be happening to me.’”

George Foreman’s heralded comeback saw him achieve his second heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer via knockout.

His final Instagram post commemorated the 30th anniversary of his comeback victory against Michael Moorer.

Foreman’s career is also remembered for the epic 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ clash with Muhammad Ali.

“I struggled intensely, and ultimately, I succumbed. I experienced death. It was a profound darkness enveloping me, above, below, all around, accompanied by the distinct odor of death – a smell I will never forget.”

Foreman’s return to the sport was marked by a fourth-round knockout victory over Steve Zouski.

Weighing considerably more at approximately 267lbs (121 kg), Foreman relentlessly pursued another world title opportunity, finally succeeding in 1994.

His match against Michael Moorer, dubbed ‘One for the Ages,’ remains a celebrated moment in boxing history. Fans recall Foreman’s extraordinary resilience after being outmatched for the majority of the nine rounds.

At 45, Foreman achieved the distinction of becoming the oldest heavyweight champion, surpassing his previous attempt against Tommy Morrison.