George Foreman, the iconic two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, has passed away at the age of 76. The news of his death was confirmed by a verified social media account dedicated to the boxing great on Friday, March 21, 2025. Foreman’s family shared the announcement in a heartfelt message, describing his passing as peaceful, surrounded by loved ones.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr.,” the message read. “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 post further praised Foreman as “a humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world,” noting that he was deeply respected, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, “fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.”
George Foreman, who was known as one of the most powerful punchers in boxing history, became a household name not only for his legendary achievements inside the ring but also for his remarkable post-boxing career, which included success as an entrepreneur, preacher, and media personality.
Foreman’s rise to fame began in 1968 when he won a gold medal in boxing at the Mexico City Olympics. At the time, Foreman had only 25 amateur fights under his belt. His Olympic victory marked the beginning of a stellar career in professional boxing, but his celebration after the win was also memorable. During the Olympic medal ceremony, just days after the Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos, Foreman raised a small American flag to acknowledge his patriotism. He later explained that his intent was simply to let others know he was an American, though he faced criticism for not supporting the Black Power movement.
After turning professional, Foreman quickly gained attention with his aggressive style and immense power. He won his first 37 fights, which set the stage for a showdown with Joe Frazier in January 1973. Despite being the underdog, Foreman shocked the world by knocking Frazier down six times in just two rounds, claiming the WBA and WBC heavyweight belts.
His dominance continued with quick title defenses, including a 50-second knockout of Jose Roman and a two-round defeat of Ken Norton, who had just beaten Muhammad Ali. This set up one of the most famous matches in boxing history: the “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974.
The fight between Foreman and Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), was not only a battle for the heavyweight championship but also a cultural and political event. The decision to hold the match in Zaire was controversial, with criticism over the country’s human rights record under President Mobutu Sese Seko. However, the event also served as a symbol of African unity, with Black athletes from around the world coming together to celebrate their heritage.
In the ring, Foreman was expected to dominate with his fierce punching power. He initially appeared to do just that, but Ali employed a strategy known as “rope-a-dope,” allowing Foreman to tire himself out by leaning on the ropes while absorbing his opponent’s punches. Then, in the eighth round, Ali landed a series of punches that knocked Foreman out, securing a historic win and retaining his title.
“I thought this would be the easiest $5 million I was going to pick up,” Foreman recalled in an interview after Ali’s death in 2016. “I hit him hard in the third round, and he looked at me as if to say, ‘I’m not gonna take it!’”
Despite the crushing defeat, Foreman’s respect for Ali grew, and the two would later become close friends. “Little did I know I would make the best friend I ever had in my life,” Foreman reflected.
After his defeat to Ali, Foreman faced personal struggles and turned to religion, becoming an ordained minister. He retired from boxing in 1977, but a decade later, at the age of 39, he made an unlikely comeback. Despite being physically out of shape, Foreman’s return to the ring captured the world’s attention. In 1991, he faced the younger Evander Holyfield in a bout dubbed “The Battle of the Ages,” though he lost the match via unanimous decision.
Foreman’s true comeback, however, came in 1994, when he stunned the boxing world by winning the IBF and WBA heavyweight titles by defeating Michael Moorer. This victory came 20 years after his loss to Ali, and Foreman described it as even more special than his first title win. “The second time I made a point of believing it,” he said in a 2023 interview with Boxing News. “The first time I didn’t believe it.”
Foreman retired for good in 1997, with an impressive career record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and just five losses. His time in the ring, especially his second championship win, solidified his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest heavyweights.
Beyond his boxing career, Foreman found immense success as an entrepreneur. In 1994, he launched the George Foreman Grill, a fat-reducing appliance that became a worldwide sensation, selling over 100 million units. He also dabbled in television, starring in a short-lived reality show with his family and launching a clothing line.
A devout Christian, Foreman also dedicated much of his life to preaching at his church in Houston, Texas. His faith and humility were central to his identity, and he often spoke about how his ministry work was something his mother would have approved of more than his boxing career.
Foreman’s family life was just as full. He had 12 children, five of whom were named George, and he was deeply affected by the tragic death of his daughter, Freeda, in 2019. Freeda, a former professional boxer, died by apparent suicide, and Foreman shared his grief with the world on social media, marking his “first Sunday in 42 years without my Freeda.”
While Foreman’s later years were marked by his public image as a family man and preacher, he was not without controversy. In 2022, two women accused him of sexually abusing them in the 1970s. Foreman denied the allegations, and as of early 2024, was fighting one of the lawsuits in court.
Despite these legal challenges, Foreman’s legacy in the world of sports and beyond remains firmly intact. A movie about his life, Big George Foreman, was released in 2023, and he openly discussed the emotional difficulty of revisiting his past struggles. “You go through life building a big fence, bricks and everything to cover up your life, to hide your life,” he said. “Then all of a sudden, you got to reveal all those things you’re trying to hide.”
George Foreman leaves behind a legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats, a businessman, a preacher, and a man who overcame many challenges in life. His passing marks the end of an era for boxing fans, but his impact on the sport and society will be remembered for generations to come.
