Boxing icon and Olympic gold medallist George Foreman dies aged 76
Foreman’s family confirmed the 76-year-old died peacefully in his sleep on Friday.
“Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones,” the statement said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
Foreman won gold in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Olympics before turning professional the following year.
He quickly rose through the ranks before achieving his crowning moment with a stunning second-round knockout of the then undefeated Joe Frazier to win the heavyweight title in 1973.
Foreman successfully defended his title twice before suffering his first defeat to Muhammad Ali in the iconic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
Ali had been stripped of his crown seven years prior for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam War and came into the match a heavy underdog against the bigger, younger champion.
But for seven rounds, Ali lay against the ropes and fended off Foreman’s clubbing blows, tiring and knocking him out in the eighth round.
The loss devastated Foreman. He took a year off before returning to the ring and then, after a second professional loss, retired in 1977 to become an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A decade later and considerably heavier at 315 lbs (143 kg), Foreman staged an unlikely return to the ring to raise money for a youth centre he founded in Texas.
He went on to win 24 straight matches, gradually slimming along the way, before losing to Evander Holyfield in a 12-round decision in 1991. Three years later, he knocked out undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest ever heavyweight champion at age 45.
Foreman retired for good in 1997 at the age of 48, with a final record of 76 wins, including 68 knockouts, and five losses.
“A humanitarian, an 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,” the statement continued.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
Post boxing career, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur and was famous for the promotion of the George Foreman Grill.
The Grill sold more than 100 million units worldwide and earned him more money than his boxing career ever did.
Foreman was married four times in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, he married for the fifth time to Mary Joan Martelly, with whom he remained for the rest of his life. He had five sons - all called George - five biological daughters, and two adopted daughters.
No cause of death has been announced at this stage.
Tributes quickly came pouring in for the much-loved figure.
“The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of boxing legend George Foreman. Foreman is considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, and will be remembered as an icon of the sport forever. Our deepest sympathies are with George’s friends and family at this time,” The Ring Magazine said on X.
NBA champion Scottie Pippen said: “Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.”
- With AAP
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
