George Foreman, the legendary boxing Hall of Famer and successful entrepreneur, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. His family announced the news via an emotional post on his official Instagram account. “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones,” the heartfelt message read.
Foreman, renowned as a heavyweight champion boxer, was much more than an athlete. He was described by his family as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather.” The statement further emphasized his multifaceted character, noting, “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world. He was deeply respected – a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name – for his family.”
The family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support and love they have received during this challenging time, requesting privacy as they honor the extraordinary life of a man they were blessed to call their own.
George Foreman was known for his intimidating presence and thunderous punches. He faced Muhammad Ali in the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, where he lost his first title. However, he made a triumphant comeback and knocked out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight championship two decades later, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman and his family moved to Houston shortly after his birth. He grew up in a challenging environment, raised by a single mother alongside his six siblings. Facing adversity in the segregated American South, Foreman dropped out of junior high school and resorted to street robberies to survive. Fortunately, the Job Corps, part of President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society reforms, helped him turn his life around. Foreman often credited the program for rescuing him from a life of despair and guiding him toward boxing.
At just 19 years old, Foreman captured the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. After turning professional, he won an impressive 37 consecutive matches, culminating in a title fight against reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, where he won by technical knockout in the second round.
Foreman defended his title successfully twice before facing Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). This iconic bout is remembered as one of the greatest boxing matches in history. Ali, having been stripped of his title seven years prior for refusing the Vietnam draft, entered the ring as the underdog. However, he employed a brilliant strategy, tiring Foreman and ultimately knocking him out in the eighth round. Reflecting on this defeat, Foreman remarked, “I was one strong heavyweight punching fighter. I was one punching machine, and that was the first time I delivered everything I had and nothing worked.”
Devastated by his loss, Foreman took a year off before returning to boxing. After a second defeat, he retired in 1977 to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. A decade later, Foreman made a remarkable return to the ring, weighing 315 pounds, to raise funds for a youth center he founded in Texas. He achieved an impressive 24-fight winning streak, shedding weight along the way, before facing Evander Holyfield in 1991, where he lost by unanimous decision.
In a stunning comeback, Foreman knocked out the undefeated Michael Moorer in 1994, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion at the age of 45. He ultimately retired in 1997, leaving behind a remarkable professional record of 76 wins and only 5 losses.
Throughout his life, Foreman was married four times during the 1970s and 1980s, ultimately marrying Mary Joan Martelly in 1985, with whom he remained until his passing. He had five sons, all named George, in addition to five biological daughters and two adopted daughters.
Post-retirement, Foreman became a highly sought-after pitchman, notably for an electric grill manufactured by Salton Inc. In 1999, the company paid Foreman and his partners an astounding $137.5 million for the rights to his name on various products. In his autobiography, By George, he shared, “What I do is fall in love with every product I sell. That’s what sells. Just like with preaching.”
The legacy of George Foreman extends far beyond the boxing ring. He will be remembered not only as a champion fighter but also as a man of faith, family, and entrepreneurial spirit. His impact on the world of boxing and beyond will continue to inspire generations to come.
