George Foreman, the iconic heavyweight boxing champion whose career and larger-than-life persona captivated the world, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news, stating that he peacefully passed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. 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,” the family shared in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Foreman, affectionately known as “Big George,” left an indelible mark on the sport of boxing. Over the course of his legendary career, he fought 81 times, securing 76 victories, 68 of which were by knockout. Foreman’s rise to prominence began in 1968 when he won the Olympic gold medal in the super-heavyweight division at the Mexico City Games. His professional career skyrocketed soon after, and in 1973, he became a global sensation when he knocked out heavyweight champion Joe Frazier in just two rounds.
However, his most legendary bout came in 1974, when he faced Muhammad Ali in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle.” Foreman, undefeated in 40 fights, was outwitted by Ali’s masterful “rope-a-dope” strategy, losing his title in the eighth round. Foreman later described this loss as “the most embarrassing moment of my life,” admitting the sting of defeat was devastating.
After a period of struggle, including a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He retired from boxing at just 28, becoming an ordained minister. Ten years later, to the surprise of many, he made an unexpected return to the ring. Despite being older, heavier, and balding, Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion in history when he defeated Michael Moorer in 1994 at the age of 45, reclaiming the title he had lost to Ali 20 years earlier.
Beyond boxing, Foreman became a beloved cultural figure, with his endorsement of the “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” which catapulted him into the realm of multimillionaire celebrity status.
Foreman’s influence extended beyond the ring. Boxing promoter Bob Arum described him as “one of the biggest punchers and personalities the sport has ever seen.”
Born in Houston, Texas, on January 10, 1949, Foreman overcame a troubled youth and a stint in crime to become one of boxing’s greatest champions. He was married four times and had 10 children, famously naming all five of his sons George Edward, saying, “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together!”
Foreman’s remarkable legacy as a two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and pop culture icon will remain etched in history forever.