George Foreman, the oldest heavyweight boxing champion, has passed away at the age of 76.
George Foreman, Legendary Two-Time Heavyweight Champion, Dies at 76
George Foreman, the iconic two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and successful entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news, announcing that he died peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
A statement shared on Foreman’s official Instagram page 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. 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.”
A Journey from Struggles to Glory
Born in 1949 in Houston, Texas, Foreman’s early life was challenging. He found direction through the Job Corps program, where he discovered boxing. As his younger brother Roy recalled in 2024, “At 13 years old, George was about 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and the ‘terror’ of the neighborhood.”
Foreman’s athletic talent became apparent when he won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, securing the super-heavyweight title at just 19. Known for his immense power and imposing presence, standing at 6-foot-4, Foreman quickly ascended the ranks of the professional heavyweight division.
In 1973, he claimed the heavyweight title in spectacular fashion, knocking out Joe Frazier in just two rounds.
“Rumble in the Jungle” and Beyond
By the time Foreman defended his title against Muhammad Ali in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” in October 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), he was an unbeaten champion with a 40-0 record. However, Ali’s ‘rope-a-dope’ strategy wore Foreman down, and the fight ended in the eighth round with Foreman suffering his first career loss.
Foreman later admitted, “It was the most embarrassing moment of my life. It went from pride to pity. That’s devastating.”
Ali, the three-time heavyweight champion, passed away in 2016 at the age of 74.
Spiritual Awakening and Remarkable Comeback
After a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman experienced a spiritual awakening and retired at just 28 years old, becoming an ordained minister. However, a decade later, in need of funds for his youth center, Foreman made an unexpected return to the ring.
Despite being mocked for his older age and heavier appearance, Foreman silenced critics, winning 20 out of 21 fights by knockout in just three years.
Historic Championship at 45
In November 1994, at 45 years and 299 days old, Foreman shocked the world by reclaiming the heavyweight title from Michael Moorer in a dramatic 10th-round knockout, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history. Though he was later stripped of his titles for refusing to face mandatory challengers, he remained the ‘lineal’ champion.
Foreman continued to fight until 1997, with his final bout being a loss to Shannon Briggs at 48. He retired with a remarkable 76-5 record, including 68 knockouts.
Life Beyond Boxing
Post-boxing, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur, most famously as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide. His likable presence in ads made him a household name, while his devotion to faith led him to host the TV program Bad Dads in 1996, promoting fatherhood.
Married four times and the father of 12 children, Foreman famously named all five of his sons “George Edward Foreman,” explaining, “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together.”
A Lasting Legacy
Foreman’s impact on boxing and beyond is immeasurable. A two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained minister, successful entrepreneur, and devoted family man, his life was a testament to redemption, reinvention, and triumph. His legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time is firmly cemented, and his passing leaves a void in the world of sports.
As the world mourns, George Foreman’s remarkable journey continues to inspire future generations.
