In 1974, George Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in one of the most iconic boxing matches, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle.”
Former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as an athlete, pastor, and businessman.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, Foreman’s family announced on Instagram that the boxing legend died “surrounded by his loved ones” the night before.
“A devoted preacher, husband, loving father and proud grand- and great-grandfather, he led a life defined by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” his family stated.
“As a humanitarian, Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he earned great respect. A force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, he fought tirelessly to preserve his good name for the sake of his family,” they added.
Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949, Foreman grew up in poverty in the segregated south of Houston. He dropped out of junior high school and turned to street robberies, using his size and strength.
At the age of 16, Foreman’s rage and stature were redirected towards boxing after joining the Job Corps, a part of United States President Lyndon B Johnson’s “Great Society” reforms.
By the age of 19, in his 25th amateur fight, Foreman claimed the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He then turned professional and won his first heavyweight championship in 1973 against the reigning champion, Joe Frazier.
However, his success was short-lived as he lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974.
Dejected by the loss, Foreman took a year off before returning to the ring. After another professional loss, he retired in 1977 to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A decade later, Foreman made a comeback to raise funds for a youth center he founded in Texas. He won 24 consecutive matches before losing to Evander Holyfield in 1991.
At the age of 45, Foreman defeated the undefeated Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest-ever heavyweight champion. He retired in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins and five losses.
Boxing writer and broadcaster Gareth A. Davies stated that Foreman belongs in the “top five of all-time” boxers, describing him as a humble and respectful individual.
Outside of the ring, Foreman gained fame as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units, surpassing his earnings from boxing.
Foreman is survived by his five sons, all named George, and seven daughters, five biological and two adopted.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, Foreman’s family announced on Instagram that the boxing legend died “surrounded by his loved ones” the night before.
“A devoted preacher, husband, loving father and proud grand- and great-grandfather, he led a life defined by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” his family stated.
“As a humanitarian, Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he earned great respect. A force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, he fought tirelessly to preserve his good name for the sake of his family,” they added.
Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949, Foreman grew up in poverty in the segregated south of Houston. He dropped out of junior high school and turned to street robberies, using his size and strength.
At the age of 16, Foreman’s rage and stature were redirected towards boxing after joining the Job Corps, a part of United States President Lyndon B Johnson’s “Great Society” reforms.
By the age of 19, in his 25th amateur fight, Foreman claimed the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He then turned professional and won his first heavyweight championship in 1973 against the reigning champion, Joe Frazier.
However, his success was short-lived as he lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974.
Dejected by the loss, Foreman took a year off before returning to the ring. After another professional loss, he retired in 1977 to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A decade later, Foreman made a comeback to raise funds for a youth center he founded in Texas. He won 24 consecutive matches before losing to Evander Holyfield in 1991.
At the age of 45, Foreman defeated the undefeated Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest-ever heavyweight champion. He retired in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins and five losses.
Boxing writer and broadcaster Gareth A. Davies stated that Foreman belongs in the “top five of all-time” boxers, describing him as a humble and respectful individual.
Outside of the ring, Foreman gained fame as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units, surpassing his earnings from boxing.
Foreman is survived by his five sons, all named George, and seven daughters, five biological and two adopted.
