Legendary former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman has passed away at 76 after a distinguished career as an athlete, pastor, and businessman. His family confirmed the news on Saturday morning via an Instagram post, stating that Foreman “passed away surrounded by his loved ones” the night before.
Known as “Big George” in the ring, the American boxer enjoyed one of the most extraordinary and lasting careers in the sport. He won Olympic gold in 1968 and claimed the world heavyweight title twice, 21 years apart—the second time making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 45.
Foreman lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle.” However, his career statistics were remarkable, boasting 76 victories, including 68 knockouts—nearly double the number of Ali’s.
Although Foreman retired from boxing in 1997, he later achieved even greater financial success through a partnership with the George Foreman Grill, a product that brought him wealth far surpassing his earnings from boxing.
His family shared an emotional message on Instagram, describing him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.” The statement continued: “His life was marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
The post also praised Foreman as a “humanitarian, Olympian, and two-time world heavyweight champion,” highlighting his commitment to preserving his legacy and protecting his family’s good name.
Tributes poured in from the boxing world, with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson honoring Foreman’s impact, saying his “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.” The Ring magazine, often referred to as the “Bible of Boxing,” called him “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time” and declared he would be remembered as “an icon of the sport forever.”
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in the segregated American South with six siblings and was raised by a single mother. He dropped out of school and turned to street robbery before finding his path in boxing, which ultimately led to global fame.
