George Foreman: Boxing Legend and Former Heavyweight Champion Dies
- George Foreman, one of the most influential and recognizable boxers of all time, died on Friday, March 21
- According to family sources, the legend passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his loved ones at the time
- He was a thunderous puncher who lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle in 1974
Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76, according to a statement from his family.
'Big George' had a remarkable boxing career, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and claiming the world heavyweight title on two occasions, 21 years apart.
His second victory was at age 45, making him the oldest champion in history.
Source: Getty Images
In 1974, Foreman lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle", he left the sport with an incredible record, The Guardian reports.
His professional boxing record was staggering, with 76 wins, including 68 knockouts, nearly twice as many as Ali.
He retired from boxing in 1997, but not before lending his name to a wildly successful grill, which eventually earned him a fortune far exceeding his boxing income.
The family announced his death via his Instagram handle. The statement reads:
"Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. 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.
"A 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."
Tributes pour in for the late George Foreman
Meanwhile, family, friends and fans have taken to the comment section to react to the sad news.
gerson915 replied:
"NOOOOO! The last great heavyweight from the golden age of boxing! I was literally watching his knockouts this morning. RIP Big George Foreman one of the greatest to ever do it. We’ll never forget you…"
juhadalikhan added:
"Ali was no coincidence, my dear George. Nothing is a coincidence. Life is a test."
luvbgmmpp said:
"So saddened to hear this. As a fellow Houstonian, I truly loved him. He bought a home for his mother in our neighborhood and we would see him very often. He was so nice and generous. We'll miss you so much Big George."
Source: Getty Images
How Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman
Legit.ng earlier reported that in the famous "Rumble in the Jungle," Muhammad Ali, the underdog, outsmarted undefeated powerhouse George Foreman.
Ali's "rope-a-dope" strategy saw him absorb Foreman’s punches on the ropes until the champion got tired.
Then, Ali launched a flurry of punches that sent Foreman to the canvas, solidifying Ali's legacy as one of the greatest boxers ever.
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Source: Legit.ng
