George Foreman, legendary heavyweight boxer, dies at 76

George Foreman, legendary American heavyweight boxer, dies at 76 — Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.) (right) uses the rope-a-dope technique to evade George Foreman’s formidable power. Ali then rocks Foreman with a hard right during their heavyweight title bout on October 29, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire. He went on to knock Foreman out in the 8th round, reclaiming the heavyweight crown. Photo: Creative Commons/wikimedia/colorized by iKurd.net

NEW YORK,— George Foreman, the former heavyweight boxing champion who later became a successful entrepreneur and television personality, passed away Friday at the age of 76, his family announced.

“With deep sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who left us peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by family,” the statement posted on Instagram read.

Foreman, known for his powerful punches, won the heavyweight title twice—first in 1973 and then again in 1994 at age 45, making him the oldest man to claim the championship.

His early career was defined by a dominant fighting style, but he gained even more fame in his later years for his comeback story and business ventures, including the George Foreman Grill, which became a household name.

Born on Jan. 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, where he faced a tough childhood in poverty. He dropped out of school and got into trouble as a teenager before joining the Job Corps, where he discovered his talent for boxing.

By 1968, Foreman had won Olympic gold in the heavyweight division in Mexico City, setting the stage for a remarkable professional career. He quickly rose through the ranks and in 1973, claimed the heavyweight title by defeating Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica.

George Foreman, legendary American heavyweight boxer, 2016. Photo: Creative Commons/iKurd.net/credit/Gage Skidmore/flickr/screengrab/YT

A year later, Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Ali’s strategy of absorbing Foreman’s blows and counterattacking in the later rounds led to an eighth-round knockout, marking a defining moment in boxing history.

Devastated by the loss, Foreman took time away from the sport and retired in 1977, devoting himself to his Christian faith. In 1987, he made an unexpected comeback, initially to raise money for a youth center.

Despite being older and heavier, he defied expectations and won 24 consecutive fights before challenging Evander Holyfield for the heavyweight title in 1991, ultimately losing in a unanimous decision.

Foreman cemented his legacy in 1994 when he knocked out Michael Moorer to reclaim the championship at 45, a record that still stands. He retired from boxing for good in 1997 with a career record of 76 wins and five losses.

Beyond the ring, Foreman became a highly successful businessman. His endorsement of the George Foreman Grill made him a household name, with the product selling millions of units worldwide. In 1999, he and his partners secured a $137.5 million deal with Salton Inc. for the rights to use his name on the brand.

Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985, and his large family, including five sons—all named George—and several daughters.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire paid tribute, saying, “George’s journey from Houston’s Fifth Ward to global success was truly inspiring. He never forgot his roots, and the city will always be proud of him.”

(With files from Reuters)