George Foreman, Boxing Legend and Entrepreneur, Dies at 76
George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and entrepreneur whose name became synonymous with a popular kitchen appliance, has passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his death on Friday, March 21, 2025, expressing profound sorrow at the loss of a man they described as a pillar of faith, humility, and purpose.
"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 wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. "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."
Foreman’s life was a remarkable tapestry woven with threads of athletic achievement, personal transformation, and entrepreneurial success. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the world of boxing, and later, a beloved personality through his endorsement of the George Foreman Grill.
His impact extended far beyond the boxing ring. He was lauded as a humanitarian, an Olympian, and a two-time heavyweight champion of the world. The family’s statement emphasized his character, noting, "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."
The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers and requested privacy as they honor the extraordinary life of a man they were blessed to call their own.
Foreman’s journey began in the boxing ring, where he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His raw power and aggressive style made him a formidable opponent. He first captured the world’s attention at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he won a gold medal in the heavyweight division. The image of Foreman waving the American flag and bowing to the crowd after his victory became an iconic moment in Olympic history. Foreman considered his Olympic gold the highlight of his boxing career, valuing it even above his professional titles.
Turning professional in 1969, Foreman embarked on a dominant run, winning all 13 of his fights that year, with 11 coming by way of knockout. His relentless punching power and intimidating presence quickly made him a contender for the heavyweight crown. In 1973, he achieved his first world title, delivering a stunning second-round knockout of the previously undefeated Joe Frazier.
Foreman defended his title twice before facing Muhammad Ali in the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974. The fight, held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), was a landmark event, both for its historical significance and the unexpected outcome. Ali, employing his "rope-a-dope" strategy, absorbed Foreman’s punches and ultimately wore him down, securing a knockout victory in the eighth round. This loss was Foreman’s first professional defeat.
After a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman surprised the boxing world by announcing his retirement. However, a decade later, driven by what he described as a religious awakening, he made a remarkable comeback.
His return to the ring was initially met with skepticism, but Foreman defied expectations, proving that age was no barrier to success. He refined his style, relying more on guile and experience than raw power. He steadily climbed the ranks, and in 1994, at the age of 45, he achieved the seemingly impossible: he regained the heavyweight championship. He defeated Michael Moorer, a boxer 19 years his junior, to claim the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight titles.
This victory cemented Foreman’s place in boxing history. He became the oldest world heavyweight champion, a record that still stands. His comeback is widely regarded as one of the most inspiring and improbable in the history of sports.
Foreman retired for good in 1997 at the age of 48, leaving behind an impressive record of 76 wins, 68 by knockout, and only 5 losses. But his influence extended far beyond his achievements in the ring.
In his post-boxing career, Foreman reinvented himself as a successful entrepreneur. He partnered with Salton, Inc. (now Russell Hobbs Inc.), to launch the George Foreman Grill. The portable electric grill, designed to reduce the fat content of food, became a phenomenal success, selling over 100 million units since its introduction in 1994. Foreman’s amiable personality and enthusiastic promotion of the product made him a household name and solidified his legacy as more than just a boxer.
The grill’s design, which allowed fat to drain away from the food, appealed to health-conscious consumers. It quickly became a staple in kitchens across the globe, transforming Foreman into a multi-millionaire and a prominent figure in the world of consumer products.
George Foreman’s life was a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of reinvention. He was a fierce competitor in the ring, a devout Christian, a loving family man, and a savvy businessman. His impact on the world of boxing and beyond will be remembered for generations to come. His legacy extends beyond the ring and into homes around the world, a reminder of his enduring influence.
