Legendary boxer and two-time heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman Sr. died at 76.
Supply: Eric Charbonneau / Getty
On Friday, March 21, the household of “Huge George” confirmed that he handed away “peacefully” and surrounded by family members. The announcement was posted on his official Instagram web page with an image of the George Foreman Grill creator surrounded by his youngsters.
Our hearts are damaged. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by family members. A religious preacher, a loyal husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and nice grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering religion, humility, and objective.
A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply revered — a drive for good, a person of self-discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, preventing tirelessly to protect his good title— for his household.
We’re grateful for the outpouring of affection and prayers, and kindly ask for privateness as we honor the extraordinary lifetime of a person we had been blessed to name our personal.
Foreman’s epic profession spanned from 1967 to 1997. After one yr of preventing as an novice, he gained a gold medal for heavyweight boxing within the 1968 Mexico Metropolis Olympic Video games. He went professional the following yr and gained the undisputed heavyweight title in 1970 with a 12-0 report, 11 by knockout. In 1971, the World Boxing Affiliation ranked Foreman primary with a 32-0 report, together with 29 knockouts.
On the Sunshine Showdown in 1973, an undefeated Foreman confronted off towards an undefeated and undisputed heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. Huge Joe was the underdog regardless of his huge dimension benefit, however gained by TKO to the now-famous phrase, “Down goes Frazier!”
In one other iconic battle, Foreman defended his title towards Muhammad Ali within the 1974 Rumble within the Jungle. Whereas making ready for the Kinshasa, Zaire match, Foreman suffered a watch harm that prevented him from sparring whereas coaching. He later credited that impediment with Ali lasting eight rounds and downing the favourite to win for the primary time in his profession. When the referee stopped the battle, as Foreman fought to his toes, Ali led in scoring and secured a controversial victory. This marked Foreman’s first and final skilled knockout.
After a near-death expertise and spiritual calling, Foreman retired in 1977 to grow to be a minister. The born-again Christian based the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston and a youth heart.
A decade later, Foreman introduced a daring comeback to boost cash for his youth heart. He additionally regarded ahead to preventing the brand new heavyweight boxing star, Mike Tyson. The 38-year-old returned with a 14-0 streak, proving age was nothing however a quantity within the ring.
In 1989, he launched an entrepreneurial empire with a number of merchandise, together with the extremely profitable George Foreman Grill. At 42, Foreman challenged Evander Holyfield for the world heavyweight title. As soon as once more, Huge George defied expectations by lasting all 12 rounds, though Holyfield outscored him.
Foreman didn’t cease there. Whereas increasing to different ventures like a sitcom TV present, he continued to pursue a title. He wore the identical pink trunks from Rumble within the Jungle for a heavyweight title battle towards Michael Moorer. Regardless of an almost 20-year age hole, Foreman slugged out 10 rounds till he knocked out Moorer. He made historical past once more because the oldest world champion at 45 years outdated.
In 1997, Foreman retired from skilled boxing. He continued his dedication to ministerial work and govt produced the 2023 movie about his spiritual {and professional} journeys, Huge George Foreman.
The beloved father famously named all 5 of his sons George: George Jr., George III (“Monk”), George IV (“Huge Wheel”), George V (“Pink”), and George VI (“Little Joey”). He additionally had seven daughters, Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgetta, Isabella, and Courtney. He’s additionally survived by his spouse of 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly.
Our condolences exit to George Foreman Sr.’s family members.
