George Foreman, the iconic two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and wealthy entrepreneur, died at 76.
His family said he died peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
“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,” his family said in a statement posted on the boxer’s official Instagram page.
Born in 1949 in Houston, Texas, Foreman overcame a challenging upbringing, finding direction through the Job Corps program, where he discovered boxing.
“At 13 years old, George was about 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and the terrorist in the neighbourhood.
“And when you’re bigger and stronger and think you’re better than everyone else, you take things,” his younger brother Roy told the BBC in 2024.
Foreman’s athletic ability was shown when he won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
At 19, he crushed his way to the super-heavyweight title, brandishing an American flag in the ring only days after Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ iconic Black Power salute.
Standing 6-foot-4 (1.93m) and nicknamed as ‘Big George,’ he was a formidable presence in the heavyweight class.
His destructive power and quickness propelled him fast up the professional ranks. In 1973, he won the heavyweight belt by defeating Joe Frazier in two rounds.
Foreman’s impact on boxing and beyond remains indelible.
A two-time heavyweight champion, an Olympic gold medalist, a minister, an entrepreneur, and a loving family man—his life was one of triumph, redemption, and reinvention.
As the world mourns his passing, his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time remains firmly intact.
Former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson posted “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
NBA legend, Magic Johnson wrote: “I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passed away.
“I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man.
“After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman – I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! [My wife] Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time.”
Top Rank chief Bob Arum said: “George was a great friend to not only myself but my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the great Muhammad Ali and a fighter himself, posted: “Rest in peace to one of the last remaining giants.. Sending much love and prayers to the Foreman family. May God grant him peace and paradise.”
Foreman retired from the sport in 1997 with a record of 76 wins and just five losses. Incredibly, 68 of his victories came via knockout.
