Former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as an athlete, pastor, and businessman. In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram Saturday morning, Foreman’s family revealed that the boxing legend died “surrounded by his loved ones” the previous night. They described him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand- and great-grandfather,” highlighting his life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
Known for his humanitarian efforts and as a two-time heavyweight champion of the world, Foreman was deeply respected in the boxing community and beyond. His family noted that he was "a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy," emphasizing his tireless efforts to preserve his good name for his family.
Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949, Foreman faced significant challenges growing up in poverty within the segregated South. After his family relocated to Houston, he dropped out of junior high school and initially channeled his strength into street robberies. However, at the age of 16, Foreman found a new direction when he joined the Job Corps, a program established under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” reforms. It was here that he was encouraged to redirect his anger and physical prowess into the sport of boxing.
By the time he was 19, Foreman had already made a name for himself, clinching the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City during his 25th amateur fight. This victory propelled him into the professional boxing scene, where he captured his first heavyweight championship in 1973 by defeating reigning champion Joe Frazier.
Foreman's reign was not without challenges. He famously lost his title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974, a defeat that deeply affected him. After taking a year off from boxing, he returned to the sport but faced another setback, leading him to retire in 1977 to pursue a calling as an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ten years later, Foreman made a stunning comeback to boxing, driven by a desire to raise funds for a youth center he had founded in Texas. His comeback was highly successful, as he won 24 consecutive matches before suffering a loss to Evander Holyfield in 1991. In a remarkable turn of events, at the age of 45, Foreman knocked out the undefeated Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Foreman retired in 1997 with an impressive professional record of 76 wins and five losses. Esteemed boxing writer and broadcaster Gareth A. Davies remarked to Al Jazeera that Foreman ranks among the “top five of all time” boxers. Davies recalled, “He was a beautiful man to be around, with a massive presence that filled the room,” attributing Foreman’s humility as one of his most admirable traits.
Outside the boxing ring, George Foreman is perhaps best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which launched in the same year he achieved victory over Moorer. The grill became a massive commercial success, selling over 100 million units and generating more income than his entire boxing career.
George Foreman is survived by his five sons, all named George, alongside five biological daughters and two adopted daughters. His family, friends, and fans will remember him not only for his incredible achievements in the ring but also for his impact as a compassionate human being and a loving family man.
