Boxing heavyweight icon George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76.
Nicknamed “Big George,” Foreman had one of the most remarkable careers in boxing, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion, 21 years apart. His second title win at age 45 made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Foreman lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in the legendary Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974 but amassed an incredible record of 76 wins, including 68 knockouts—almost double that of Ali.
Retiring in 1997, Foreman later found immense success outside the ring by endorsing the George Foreman Grill, earning fortunes surpassing his boxing career.
His family announced his passing in an Instagram post:
“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.”
They 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.”
Tributes poured in from across the sport. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
The Ring magazine, often called the Bible of Boxing, honored him as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time”, adding:
“[He] will be remembered as an icon of the sport forever.”
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman was raised in poverty in the segregated American South. He dropped out of school and turned to street crime before finding salvation in boxing—a journey that would lead him to greatness.
