Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman passes away at 76
By Olaolu Joseph
Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76.
Known as “Big George” in the ring, the American built one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in the sport, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and claiming the world heavyweight title twice—21 years apart. His second reign made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history at age 45.
Foreman lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974. However, he amassed an astonishing total of 76 wins, including 68 knockouts—almost double that of Ali.
Retiring in 1997, Foreman later lent his name to the best-selling George Foreman Grill, a decision that brought him wealth surpassing his boxing earnings.
A family statement posted on Instagram on Friday night read: “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 continued: “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.”
Tributes poured in from across the sport, with former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson saying Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
The Ring magazine, often dubbed the “Bible of Boxing,” described him as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. He will be remembered as an icon of the sport forever.”
Born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, Foreman was raised alongside 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 path in boxing.
