Two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman has died at 76, leaving behind a legendary legacy in boxing and beyond
Boxing legend George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76, his family confirmed in an emotional statement.
The two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist built one of the sport’s most remarkable careers, winning his first title in 1973 and stunning the world 21 years later by reclaiming it at the age of 45, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
An Unstoppable Force in the Ring
Foreman’s dominance in boxing was undeniable. After securing a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics, he turned professional, going on to win 37 consecutive fights.
In 1973, he destroyed reigning champion Joe Frazier, knocking him down six times in just two rounds to claim the heavyweight title. But his most famous bout came a year later—the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali.
Foreman entered the match as the clear favourite, but Ali outsmarted him with his famous “rope-a-dope” technique, leading to a knockout in the eighth round. The shocking defeat changed the course of Foreman’s life forever.
Embed from Getty ImagesA Life Beyond Boxing
Following another loss, Foreman retired in 1977 and took a completely different path—becoming an ordained minister and founding The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas.
However, in 1987, he staged a historic comeback, initially to raise funds for a youth centre. Against all odds, he reclaimed the heavyweight championship in 1994, knocking out Michael Moorer at the age of 45.
His career took yet another turn when he became the face of the George Foreman Grill, a household product that brought him financial success surpassing even his boxing earnings.
A Lasting Legacy
Foreman was married five times and had 12 children, including five sons all named George. He once explained that naming them after himself was a way to keep the family united.
“If one of us goes up, we all go up together. And if one goes down, we all go down together,” he said.
His family described him as a “devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather”, honouring his unwavering faith, discipline, and humanitarian work.
Though he has left the world, George Foreman’s legacy as a champion, entrepreneur, and role model will endure forever.
