George Foreman, Iconic Heavyweight Champion and Entrepreneur, Passes Away at 76

George Foreman, the legendary two-time heavyweight boxing champion and beloved entrepreneur, has died at the age of 76, his family announced on Friday.

Foreman passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, his family wrote, "Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed surrounded by loved ones."

The statement honored Foreman as "a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather," emphasizing his life of "unwavering faith, humility, and purpose." It continued to highlight his humanitarian efforts, Olympic triumphs, and boxing legacy, describing him as "a force for good, a man of discipline and conviction."

In the days following his passing, the Foreman family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers. They have requested privacy as they honor his extraordinary life.

George Foreman first rose to fame on the global stage when he won the Olympic gold medal in boxing at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His victory over the Soviet Union's Jonas Čepulis became an iconic moment in American sports history, marked by his proud display of the American flag in the ring. Foreman often cited this gold medal as his greatest achievement, even above his professional boxing accolades.

Turning professional in 1969, Foreman quickly made his mark by winning all 13 fights in his debut year, 11 of them by knockout. Four years later, in 1973, he claimed the heavyweight title with a stunning second-round knockout of Joe Frazier. However, one of his most famous bouts came in 1974, when he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle." Though he lost the fight, it remains one of the most celebrated events in boxing history.

Foreman retired for the first time in 1977 after a loss to Jimmy Young, citing a religious awakening as his reason for stepping away from the ring. But his story was far from over. In a sensational comeback a decade later, he reclaimed the heavyweight title in 1994 at the age of 45, defeating Michael Moorer. This victory made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a record that still stands today. Foreman's second stint in boxing is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

He finally retired for good in 1997 at the age of 48, closing his career with a remarkable record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and only 5 losses.

Outside of boxing, Foreman became a household name through his wildly successful George Foreman Grill. Launched in 1994, this portable electric grill became a staple in kitchens worldwide, selling over 100 million units. The grill's emphasis on healthier cooking by reducing fat content resonated with millions, further cementing Foreman's legacy as an entrepreneur.

George Foreman's life was a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose. From the boxing ring to the business world, his impact will be felt for generations to come.