George Foreman, the former heavyweight boxing champion famed for his iconic bout against Muhammad Ali in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle,” has died at the age of 76, as announced by his family in a statement on Friday.
“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 statement posted on Foreman’s official Instagram account read. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and we respectfully request privacy as we celebrate the extraordinary life of a man we were fortunate to call our own.”
Born on January 10, 1949, in Texas, George Foreman was raised in Houston. His childhood was marked by the absence of his father, J.D. Foreman, who struggled with alcoholism. It wasn’t until after he became heavyweight champion that he discovered his biological father, a decorated World War II veteran, was different from the man who had raised him.
During his adolescence, Foreman faced challenges with crime and dropped out of school at 16. “At 13, George was about 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, often viewed as a terror in the neighborhood,” remembered his younger brother Roy in 2024. “When you’re bigger, stronger, and think you’re better than everyone, you tend to take things.”
At the age of 16, George Foreman discovered boxing while initially aiming to become a football player. “I wanted to be a football player,” he later recounted on his website. “I tried boxing to show my friends that I wasn’t afraid. A year and 25 fights later, I was an Olympic gold medallist.” He triumphed in the super-heavyweight category at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, celebrating his victory while waving an American flag, just days after fellow African Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos made headlines with their black power salute.
Standing at 6-foot-4 (1.93 m), Foreman was a physical force unlike most of his competitors, combining agility with his considerable strength. He rose rapidly through the ranks, earning a title bout against Joe Frazier, which he won in just two rounds.
By the time he faced Ali in their famous 1974 title fight in Kinshasa, Foreman boasted an unbeaten record of 40 professional bouts, most of which he won by knockout. However, he was defeated by Ali’s tactical approach in the eighth round, an upset that left a lasting mark on Foreman. “I couldn’t believe I’d lost the world title. It was the most embarrassing moment of my life,” he later recalled.
Following a loss to Jimmy Young in March 1977, Foreman experienced a life-changing moment, believing he felt a divine call to change his life. He retired from boxing at 28 and became an ordained minister. A decade later, he made a sensational comeback, appearing considerably different in both physique and hairstyle. This return was initially perceived as a publicity stunt, as he later revealed he needed funds for a youth center.
In the following three years, Foreman fought 21 times, winning every match, with 20 victories coming via knockout. He earned title shots against Evander Holyfield in 1991 and Tommy Morrison two years later, but lost both bouts by decision.
His most iconic comeback came on November 5, 1994, when he faced Michael Moorer. Trailing on the scorecards, he delivered a shocking knockout in the 10th round, reclaiming the heavyweight championship at the age of 45 years and 299 days—making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Despite being stripped of his first WBA and IBF titles for not fighting designated challengers, Foreman continued to fight, ultimately retiring again in 1997 after losing to Shannon Briggs in a decision at 48 years old. Over the course of his career, he fought 81 professional bouts, achieving 76 wins, with 68 of those by knockout.
Outside the boxing ring, he became a household name after endorsing the “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” appearing amiably in commercials. Additionally, he hosted a 1996 TV show called ‘Bad Dads.’
Foreman was married four times and had ten biological children and two adopted children. He famously named all five of his sons George Edward, stating, “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together.”
Join our Channel...