Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman has died aged 76

by Mick the Ram

The world of boxing is in mourning over the loss of one of the sport’s greatest fighters with the news that George Foreman, or “Big George” as he was known in the ring, has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

The American had a remarkable career, winning Olympic gold in 1968 aged just 19, and claiming the world heavyweight title twice, an incredible 21 years apart.

The second victory in 1994, when he knocked out a previously undefeated Michael Moorer, made Foreman the oldest ever heavyweight champion at the astonishing age of 45.

He had claimed his first title with a stoppage win over his great rival Joe Frazier in 1973, but lost it to Muhammad Ali in their famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight a year later.

Overall, he boasted a staggering total of 76 wins, including 68 knockouts after turning pro; indeed he lost only five bouts over his entire career.

Foreman retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, which he founded and built.

He also became a household name thanks to the George Foreman Grill, which has sold over 100 million units since its launch in 1994, bringing him fortunes that dwarfed his boxing earnings.

Tribute from loving family

His family said in a post on Instagram: “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.

“Our hearts are broken; 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.”

The statement added: “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.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”

From crime to the ring

Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on 10 January 1949, and raised along with six siblings by a single mother in the segregated American South.

He dropped out of school and turned to street robberies before eventually finding his outlet in the ring.

Putting Frazier on the canvas

He beat previously undefeated reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1973 knocking him down six times in the first two rounds.

Nevertheless, it was his “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) that remained one of his and the sport’s most famous boxing matches ever.

Ali turns the tables

Ali, seven years the older man, was the underdog after he was stripped of his crown for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam War. The former champion was considered well past his best and wasn’t given much of a chance against his bigger, stronger opponent.

However, the wily Ali used a tactic that later became known as “rope-a-dope”, allowing his younger opponent to punch himself out by literally throwing hundreds of punches round after round, before Ali suddenly turned the tables in the eighth and scored a sensational knockout.

“Best thing that happened”

Later Foreman would declare that defeat was the “best thing that ever happened to me” as it ultimately led him purchase a piece of land and an old, dilapidated building on the north-east side of Houston, became his starting place for a life of preaching.

He also became the ad pitch-man for his George Foreman Grill, thanks in part to his memorable catchphrase, “The Lean Mean Grilling Machine”.

Tributes

“He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man” said NBA star Magic Johnson, who added that he believed that he bought one of the first of his grills.

Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson sent his “condolences” to all of the family, adding: “his contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”

Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the great Muhammad Ali and a fighter himself, posted: “Rest in peace to one of the last remaining giants; sending much love and prayers to the Foreman family. May God grant him peace and paradise.”

Foreman was married five times and had twelve children, including five sons who are all named George.