The world of boxing is mourning the loss of George Foreman, a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, who passed away at the age of 76.
His family confirmed the news, describing him as a “devout preacher, loving father, and a force for good.”
Nicknamed “Big George”, Foreman built one of the most remarkable careers in boxing history, winning Olympic gold in 1968 before going on to claim the world heavyweight title twice—with an unprecedented 21-year gap between his championship reigns.
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His second title win at age 45 made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a record that still stands today.
A Career of Knockouts and Historic Bouts
Foreman’s dominance in the ring was defined by his incredible power. He recorded 76 professional wins, including 68 knockouts, nearly double Muhammad Ali’s total.
In 1973, he dismantled the previously undefeated Joe Frazier, knocking him down six times in two rounds to claim his first world title.
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However, one of his most famous fights came the following year in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali.
Foreman, then in his prime, was widely expected to retain his title, but Ali’s “rope-a-dope” strategy exhausted him, leading to an eighth-round knockout that remains one of the most iconic moments in boxing history.
Photo Credit Getty Images
After a second professional loss, Foreman retired in 1977 and found a new calling as a Christian minister. However, in a shocking comeback, he returned to the ring a decade later and, in 1994, against all odds, knocked out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight championship at age 45.
Beyond the Ring: A Global Icon
Foreman’s success wasn’t confined to boxing. His name became synonymous with the George Foreman Grill, a best-selling kitchen appliance that made him millions—far more than he earned in the ring.
Foreman launches his grill in London, UK, in 2001. (Photo Credit Getty Images)
His family paid tribute in a heartfelt statement:
“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world. He was deeply respected—a man of discipline, conviction, and a fierce protector of his legacy.”
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman’s journey from a troubled youth to a boxing legend and global businessman is a testament to perseverance and reinvention.
His impact on boxing, sports, and pop culture will endure, ensuring that Big George’s name remains legendary for generations to come.
