George Foreman, the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and beloved American icon, died Friday at the age of 76. His death was confirmed in a post from a verified social media account dedicated to the boxer and entrepreneur.
“Our hearts are broken,” the statement read. “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 statement described Foreman as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather,” adding that he “lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
Born January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, George Foreman rose from poverty in Houston’s Fifth Ward to become one of boxing’s most feared and iconic figures. Known for his devastating punching power, Foreman compiled an extraordinary professional record of 76 wins — 68 by knockout — and just 5 losses.
He stunned the world by winning a gold medal in boxing at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics after only 25 amateur bouts. Just six years later, he became world heavyweight champion by dismantling Joe Frazier in 1973, knocking him down six times in two rounds.
But Foreman’s most famous fight came in 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), in the bout known around the world as the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Facing Muhammad Ali, Foreman entered as the undefeated, fearsome champion. Ali, using his now-legendary “rope-a-dope” tactic, absorbed punishment before knocking Foreman out in the eighth round in one of the sport’s most historic upsets.
Though he lost the title that night, Foreman’s place in boxing lore was forever secured.
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After his loss to Ali and a surprising defeat to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman experienced a religious epiphany in the locker room and abruptly retired from boxing, devoting himself to Christian ministry.
But in one of the most improbable comebacks in sports history, Foreman returned to the ring a decade later at age 38, initially drawing laughs — and doubts — with his older, heavier physique. Defying critics, Foreman earned a title shot in 1994 at age 45 against Michael Moorer. Down on the scorecards, Foreman delivered a stunning 10th-round knockout, reclaiming the heavyweight title 20 years after he had first lost it. The feat made him the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history — a record that still stands.
Outside the ring, Foreman became a beloved figure in American culture. Known for his booming voice and easygoing charisma, he found mainstream success as a television personality and entrepreneur.
His George Foreman Grill, launched in the 1990s, sold more than 100 million units worldwide and made Foreman a multimillionaire. He often joked that he made more money selling grills than he ever did boxing.
Foreman also became a respected motivational speaker and preacher, founding the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston. He named all five of his sons George, humorously referring to them as “George Jr., George III, George IV, George V, and George VI,” and said he did it so “they’d all have something in common.”
Foreman’s life journey — from troubled youth, to Olympic hero, to feared champion, to minister and grill mogul — was a testament to resilience and redemption.
“He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy,” his family wrote. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
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