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The formidable heavyweight, who initially lost to Ali, later experienced an inspiring second act, surprising everyone by becoming a champion and successful businessman. Foreman passed away on Friday night.

Few fighters had as many significant moments as Big George Foreman, and even after retiring from boxing, he continued to make an impact.

Twenty years after his loss to Ali, Foreman became the oldest man to win the heavyweight championship by defeating Michael Moorer in an epic upset.

Foreman’s family announced his death on social media, without revealing the cause or location.

“An ardent preacher, devoted husband, loving father and proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. A humanitarian, Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, 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.”

Born in Texas, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist, inspiring fear and awe as he reached the peak of the heavyweight division by defeating Joe Frazier in 1973. However, his formidable reputation was diminished the following year when Ali defeated him in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Foreman discontinued his boxing career a few years later but later made a comeback after a 10-year absence and a spiritual awakening.

Imagine a middle-aged fighter pulling off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history, defeating Moorer, who was 19 years his junior. Foreman’s 20 years away from the sport easily holds the record for the longest gap between heavyweight title reigns.

Foreman’s transformation into an inspirational figure was complete, and he fought only four more times, finishing his career with 76-5 and 68 knockouts before moving onto his next career as a genial businessman, pitchman, and occasional actor.

Outside the ring, Foreman became well-known for endorsing the George Foreman Grill, which launched the same year he defeated Moorer and sold over 100 million units, making him wealthier than his boxing career ever could.

Bob Arum, the president of Top Rank, expressed his devastation and considered Foreman a member of his family.

Foreman’s initial demeanor was an attempt to emulate Sonny Liston, the glowering heavyweight champ of the 1960s, but he later realized it wasn’t who he was.

Foreman defeated Frazier in 1973 and defended his belt against Ken Norton before accepting Ali’s challenge, causing his classic downfall.

Foreman questioned his decision to almost take pity on a struggling Ali, telling the BBC in 2014 about his intentions to defeat Ali.

Exhausted and disillusioned, Foreman stopped fighting in 1977 and spent the next decade preaching and working with kids in Houston.

Despite the initial doubts about his ability to beat Moorer, Foreman came alive in the 10th round, knocking him down with a powerful right hand, earning him a place in boxing history.

Lampley, who worked alongside Foreman at HBO, named his upcoming autobiography after his famous call of that moment: “It Happened!”

Foreman quit the ring for good in 1997 but occasionally contemplated a comeback. Instead, he took on a role as a boxing analyst for HBO and as the face of the grills that made him famous and successful.

Foreman briefly appeared as a pitchman with a big grin, a role he excelled in and was considered a genius by Lampley, who admired his business acumen.

He also appeared in a sitcom and even participated in “The Masked Singer” in 2022. A biographical movie was released in 2023.

Foreman had 12 children, including five sons who share his name, George Edward Foreman.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman expressed his condolences, describing Foreman as a legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, and best friend.