Boxing icon George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76, his family has confirmed.
A Legendary Boxing Career
Widely recognized as “Big George” in the boxing world, Foreman’s career spanned several decades since the 1960s. He secured an Olympic gold medal and clinched numerous championship titles, including the coveted world heavyweight title on two occasions.
Early Career and Olympic Triumph
Foreman’s journey to boxing stardom began with a gold medal victory at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics at just 19 years old. He then transitioned to professional boxing, amassing an impressive streak of 37 consecutive wins.
World Heavyweight Champion
In 1973, Foreman achieved his first world heavyweight championship, defeating the previously unbeaten Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica. The dominant victory saw Frazier knocked down six times within the initial two rounds.
The Rumble in the Jungle
One of boxing’s most celebrated contests, the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), saw Foreman lose his title. Despite entering as the favorite against Ali, who had been stripped of his title years prior, Foreman faced an unexpected defeat.
Foreman’s professional record includes an impressive 76 wins, with a remarkable 68 knockouts, significantly surpassing Ali’s knockout count. Over his career, he experienced only five losses.
Setbacks and Retirement
After a subsequent professional defeat, Foreman initially retired from boxing in 1977, transitioning to become an ordained minister. He founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas.
The Comeback and Second Title
Foreman made a surprising return to boxing in 1987 to support a youth center he established. In 1994, at the age of 45, he reclaimed the world heavyweight title by knocking out Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest boxer to ever achieve this feat.
Family and Personal Life
In a heartfelt statement released Friday night on Instagram, his family conveyed their grief: “Our hearts are broken.”
The family’s message highlighted Foreman’s multifaceted life: “A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
Further tributes described him as, “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world,” emphasizing his role as “a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy.”
Early Life and Background
Born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, George Foreman was raised in the segregated American South alongside his six siblings by a single mother.
Foreman faced challenges early in life, dropping out of school and engaging in street robberies before finding direction and purpose in boxing.
Beyond Boxing: Ministry and Entrepreneurship
Following his initial retirement, Foreman dedicated himself to ministry. He established a church in Houston, Texas, which began in private homes and grew into a larger community gathering place.
His entrepreneurial spirit led to the iconic George Foreman Grill. Launched in 1994, the product became a household name, bolstered by his memorable slogan, “Lean Mean Grilling Machine.”
Legacy
Married five times, Foreman was father to twelve children, including five sons all named George. He explained this unique naming convention was intended to create a lasting family bond, stating, “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together!”