Two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman has died aged 76.
The boxing icon passed away on Friday “surrounded by loved ones, his family confirmed via an Instagram post on his social media website. Foreman was an Olympic gold medallist in 1968 before he turned professional. He knocked out Joe Frazier in 1973 to become world champion and became one of the most feared punchers on the planet at the time.
The American, who was born in Texas in 1949, would later fight Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble In The Jungle” in 1974. Foreman lost the fight but was cemented in heavyweight history.
Following his death, Foreman’s family described the sports star as “a devout preacher” and “a devoted husband”. The statement in full reads: “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announced the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman St. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
“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. 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. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
‘Big George’ retired in 1977 after failing to get another shot at the world title but he returned a decade later. In 1994, he beat Michael Moorer aged 45 to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history – a record that still stands today.
Foreman was inducted into boxing’s Hall if Fame in 2003. He retired in 1997 after a career of 76 wins and five defeats. A remarkable 68 of his 76 victories were inside the distance. ‘Big George’ was always linked to Ali thanks to their famous fight in Zaire in 1974 but he is a boxing icon in his own right. Foreman beat Frazier twice either side of his clash with Ali and had famous wins over Ken Norton and Ron Lyle.
The athlete only ever lost five of his 81 professional bouts. He remained a boxing giant throughout his long career, becoming the the oldest world heavyweight champion in history in 1995, two years before his retirement.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson has led tributes to Big George. Tyson said: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Actor John Cusack said: “Beyond a living legend in the ring – just a wonderful spirit – an incredibly kind generous man – in person. I always remember every encounter with great gratitude – it was an honour to know him.”
During his 10-year hiatus form the sport, Foreman became a born-again Christian and was ordained as a minister, and he continued to preach at services up until recently.
It happened as he felt like he was dying after his 1977 loss to Jimmy Young and promised to fulfil his life to God. Foreman also became famous for his ‘Lean, Mean, Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, which yielded over £150million for the boxer – much more than he ever would have earned in the ring.
A biopic on his life called ‘Big George Foreman’ was released in 2023. Foreman, who was married four times in the 1970s and 1980s, leaves behind 12 children. His five sons are all called George.
George lived for decades with his fifth wife Mary Joan Martelly, who has been deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly focusing on AIDS awareness as well as promoting education for children. The public got a rare look at their family life in the 2008 TV Land series Family Foreman, which highlighted the heavyweight champ’s career and role as a father.
Speaking in an interview, Foreman had said: “I named all my sons George so they would always have something in common. I say to them, if one of us goes up, we all go up. And if one goes down, we all go down together.”
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