The world of sports has lost a true giant. George Foreman, the legendary two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and minister, passed away on Friday at the age of 76, according to his family and publicist.
In a heartfelt announcement shared on Instagram, Foreman’s family stated, “Our hearts are broken. 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. 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.”
Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most feared and respected boxers in history. His journey to greatness began at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he captured the heavyweight gold medal.
Five years later, Foreman faced off against Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, in a brutal display of power that ended with the now-iconic call from Howard Cosell: “Down goes Frazier!” The victory earned him his first heavyweight championship.
In 1974, Foreman would face the most significant bout of his career against Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Foreman entered the ring as the heavy favorite, but Ali’s strategic brilliance, summed up by his famous “rope-a-dope” technique, ended with Foreman being knocked out in the eighth round.
Despite the loss, the fight cemented Foreman’s place in boxing history and contributed to Ali’s legacy as “The Greatest.”
Foreman retired from boxing in 1977 after suffering a second career loss to Jimmy Young. During his time away from the sport, he became a born-again Christian and devoted his life to preaching and ministering to others.
But Foreman wasn’t done making history. In 1987, at the age of 38, he made a stunning comeback, winning 12 straight fights. Although he lost to Evander Holyfield in 1991, Foreman continued to fight, eventually facing Michael Moorer in 1994.
At age 45, Foreman knocked out the 26-year-old Moorer to win the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming the oldest man to ever win a world heavyweight championship. He eventually retired for good in 1997 with an impressive record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and only 5 losses.
Foreman’s talents weren’t limited to the squared circle. As the spokesman for the George Foreman Grill, launched in 1994, he became a cultural icon. The grill sold over 100 million units within its first 25 years, making it one of the most successful kitchen appliances of all time.
Foreman was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, and their 12 children — five sons and seven daughters. Always one to leave his mark, Foreman famously named all of his sons George Edward Foreman, explaining that he did so “so they would always have something in common.”
Rest in power, Big George. Your legacy will never fade.
Photo Credit: AARP
