Boxing legend George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76 (Photo: Instagram)
The world of martial arts has said goodbye to one of its greatest legends. George Foreman died last Friday in the United States at the age of 76. A former Olympic and world boxing champion, the American's death was announced in a post on his social media. The cause of death was not specified.
“Our hearts are broken. With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A devoted preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight world champion, he was deeply respected—a force for good, a man of discipline and 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,” the statement read.
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Born in 1949 in Texas, George Foreman gained worldwide notoriety when he won the Olympic gold medal in 1968 in Mexico City. In 1969, he turned professional and, five years later, at the age of 24, he became world champion according to the World Boxing Association and the World Boxing Council after knocking out the legend Joe Frazier in Jamaica.
The following year, Foreman starred in the 'Fight of the Century' against Muhammad Ali, in front of 60 people, in the former Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and ended up being knocked out and dethroned by his rival, who would later become a close friend.
In 1977, 'Big George' left boxing to follow a religious path, founding a church in Houston. After a ten-year hiatus, he returned to the ring in 187, at the age of 38, winning 24 straight matches, including one over Brazilian legend Maguila, and only stopping at Evander Holyfield in 1991.
There was still time to make history. In 1994, at the age of 45, George Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer and became the oldest heavyweight world champion of all time. The legendary American would defend the title three more times before losing to Shannon Brigs and hanging up his gloves, with a record of 76 wins and just five losses, earning a well-deserved place in the Boxing Hall of Fame.
Success in the ring and in the kitchen
George Foreman's 'Grill' was a worldwide success (Photo: Disclosure)
George Foreman's fame went far beyond the boundaries of boxing and martial arts. A born salesman, the boxer filled kitchens around the world with a grill that bore his name. The George Foreman Grill was launched in 1994, the year he regained the world title at the age of 45. According to Reuters, the appliance sold more than 100 million units and was the boxer's main source of wealth.
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