The boxing world mourns the loss of a true legend as George Foreman, two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, has died at the age of 76, his family announced Friday.
“Big George” Foreman’s remarkable career began with a gold medal victory at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, catapulting him into professional boxing where he quickly established himself as a formidable force.
In 1973, just a few years into his professional career, Foreman achieved his first heavyweight championship by defeating the previously undefeated Joe Frazier. After successfully defending his title twice, the unbeaten 25-year-old Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in 1974 in what became known as “The Rumble In The Jungle” in Zaire. In a stunning upset, Ali defeated Foreman by TKO in the eighth round.
The two boxing legends later developed a profound friendship. When Ali passed away in 2016, Foreman poignantly remarked, “I lost my best friend.”
Foreman retired from boxing in 1977 and became an ordained minister, dedicating his life to his faith and preaching at a church in the Houston area. However, in a move that shocked the sports world, he announced his comeback in 1988 at nearly 40 years old.
Despite no longer possessing the devastating power of his youth, Foreman achieved the impossible in 1994 when, at 45 years old, he defeated 26-year-old Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight championship. This historic victory made him the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history, an accomplishment still considered one of the most impressive feats in sports.
When Foreman retired for good in 1997, he left with an impressive record of 76-5 with 68 knockouts, cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
His family highlighted his accomplishments outside the ring as well: “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.”
“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.”
They added, “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.”
Beyond his boxing career, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur as the face of the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, one of the most commercially successful products in decades.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Foreman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
