Boxing Icon George Foreman Passes Away at Age 76
George Foreman, the legendary boxer and two-time world heavyweight champion, has died at the age of 76, according to a family statement shared on Instagram on Saturday. Nicknamed ‘Big George’ during his illustrious career, the American athlete...
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George Foreman, the legendary boxer and two-time world heavyweight champion, has died at the age of 76, according to a family statement shared on Instagram on Saturday. Nicknamed ‘Big George’ during his illustrious career, the American athlete made an indelible mark on the sport of boxing.
Foreman's journey in boxing began with amateur fights after relocating from Texas to California. He concluded his career in 1997 with an impressive record of 76 victories, 68 of which were by knockout, and only five defeats.
“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,” the family stated.
Foreman captured the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when he was just 19 years old. He won his first world heavyweight championship in 1973, and made headlines once again in 1994 when, at the age of 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
One of Foreman's most iconic bouts was against Muhammad Ali in 1974, which he lost by an eighth-round knockout. This fight was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary ‘When We Were Kings’. Following his defeat to Ali, Foreman fought five additional matches before transitioning to a career as an ordained minister in Texas. However, he returned to the boxing ring in 1987 at the age of 38.
In 1994, he introduced the George Foreman Grill, which went on to achieve phenomenal success, selling over 100 million units globally. He sold the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million in 1999.
His final boxing match occurred in November 1997, resulting in a majority decision loss to Shannon Briggs. In 2002, The Ring magazine recognized Foreman as one of the 25 greatest fighters of the past 80 years, ranking him as the ninth-greatest puncher in history. He also served as a ringside analyst for HBO for 12 years, concluding in 2004.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
Foreman's journey in boxing began with amateur fights after relocating from Texas to California. He concluded his career in 1997 with an impressive record of 76 victories, 68 of which were by knockout, and only five defeats.
“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,” the family stated.
Foreman captured the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when he was just 19 years old. He won his first world heavyweight championship in 1973, and made headlines once again in 1994 when, at the age of 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
One of Foreman's most iconic bouts was against Muhammad Ali in 1974, which he lost by an eighth-round knockout. This fight was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary ‘When We Were Kings’. Following his defeat to Ali, Foreman fought five additional matches before transitioning to a career as an ordained minister in Texas. However, he returned to the boxing ring in 1987 at the age of 38.
In 1994, he introduced the George Foreman Grill, which went on to achieve phenomenal success, selling over 100 million units globally. He sold the commercial rights to the grill for $138 million in 1999.
His final boxing match occurred in November 1997, resulting in a majority decision loss to Shannon Briggs. In 2002, The Ring magazine recognized Foreman as one of the 25 greatest fighters of the past 80 years, ranking him as the ninth-greatest puncher in history. He also served as a ringside analyst for HBO for 12 years, concluding in 2004.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
