Boxing has lost one of its greatest warriors as legendary heavyweight George Foreman has died at the age of 76, his family confirmed.
Nicknamed “Big George”, Foreman carved out an extraordinary career in boxing, claiming Olympic gold in 1968 and becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion—with an incredible 21-year gap between his title wins.
His second reign at age 45 made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a feat unmatched in the sport.
His legendary career saw 76 professional wins, including a staggering 68 knockouts—nearly double Muhammad Ali’s total.
Despite losing his first title to Ali in the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” bout of 1974, Foreman remained a dominant force in the ring for decades.
After retiring in 1997, Foreman found success far beyond the ropes, lending his name to the George Foreman Grill, a global sensation that earned him far more than his boxing career ever did.
In a statement on Instagram, his grieving family described him as: “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.”
They also hailed him as: “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world. A force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a fierce protector of his legacy.”
Born January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in a tough environment, raised by a single mother alongside six siblings in the racially segregated South. Struggling as a troubled youth, he dropped out of school and turned to crime before discovering boxing—a decision that would change his life forever.
