Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, known for his epic battles in the boxing ring and his remarkable comeback to reclaim the title two decades later, has passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his death in a statement on March 21, 2025, saying he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Houston, Texas, on January 10, 1949, Foreman had a rough childhood, marked by poverty and early brushes with crime. At 16, he turned to boxing—a decision that would change his life forever. Just a year later, he won an Olympic gold medal in Mexico 1968, marking the beginning of a storied career.
Standing 6-foot-4 (1.93m) with immense power, Foreman dominated the heavyweight division in the early 1970s. He famously demolished Joe Frazier in 1973 to become world champion but suffered a historic loss in the “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali in 1974. Ali’s legendary “rope-a-dope” strategy exhausted Foreman, leading to an eighth-round knockout and shattering his aura of invincibility.
After failing to reclaim the title and experiencing a spiritual awakening, Foreman retired at 28 and became an ordained minister. A decade later, in need of funds for his youth center, he stunned the world with a comeback, defying critics who dismissed him as overweight and past his prime.
Despite early losses, Foreman’s persistence paid off in 1994 when he knocked out Michael Moorer at age 45, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history. He fought until 1997, finishing his career with 76 wins (68 by knockout) in 81 fights.
Beyond boxing, Foreman became a cultural icon, best known for endorsing the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units. A father of 12 children, including five sons all named George Edward, he once explained, “If one of us goes up, we all go up together.”
From feared knockout artist to beloved sports personality, Big George leaves behind an enduring legacy in and out of the ring.
AFP
