Foreman was famously involved in the “Rumble in the Jungle” match against Muhammad Ali in 1974, though he ultimately lost that fight. Despite this setback, Foreman enjoyed a boxing legacy that included being a two-time heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist.
“With a deep sense of loss, we share the passing of our cherished George Edward Foreman Sr, who peacefully left us on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones,” the family expressed on Foreman’s Instagram page.
“We appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers, and humbly ask for privacy as we celebrate the extraordinary life of our beloved family member.”
A Legacy in Boxing
Born in Texas in 1949, George Foreman took to boxing at the age of 16. He gained international fame by winning the super-heavyweight gold at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico at just 19 years old.
Transitioning to the professional circuit, Foreman earned his first heavyweight title by defeating reigning champion Joe Frazier.
Foreman defended his title on two occasions before suffering a loss to Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Despite his imposing presence at 6-foot-4 (1.93 meters), the loss had a profound impact, leading Foreman to retire from boxing and pursue a career as an ordained minister. A decade later, he resumed his boxing career and successfully claimed his second heavyweight title at the age of 45, becoming the oldest titleholder in history.
Life Beyond Boxing
Foreman’s professional career concluded in 1997, marked by a record of 76 wins out of 81 matches, with 68 of those wins coming by knockout.
His personal life included five marriages and a family of 10 biological children plus two adopted, each of his sons being named George Edward, as per his wish that “If one of us succeeds, we all do, and if one fails, we all do.”
Even after hanging up his gloves, Foreman continued to be a well-known figure, in part thanks to the endorsement of the “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine” — a portable electric grill.
Editor: Karl Sexton
