George Foreman Sr., the legendary boxer and two-time heavyweight champion, passed away at the age of 76 on March 21, 2025.
His family announced that “Big George” died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in a statement posted on his official Instagram page alongside a photo of Foreman with his children.
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Foreman’s remarkable life was defined by his unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. A devout preacher, devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he was a humanitarian, Olympian, and a respected figure known for his discipline, conviction, and tireless efforts to protect his legacy and family.
His iconic boxing career spanned from 1967 to 1997. After winning a gold medal in heavyweight boxing at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Foreman turned pro in 1969 and claimed the undisputed heavyweight title in 1970 with an impressive 12-0 record, 11 by knockout.
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By 1971, the World Boxing Association ranked him number one with a 32-0 record, including 29 knockouts.
In 1973’s Sunshine Showdown, an undefeated Foreman faced off against the undisputed heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. Despite Frazier’s size advantage, Foreman secured a TKO victory, famously remembered by the phrase, “Down goes Frazier!”
In 1974, Foreman defended his title against Muhammad Ali in the historic Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa, Zaire. An eye injury during training hindered his preparation, and Ali outlasted him for eight rounds, securing a controversial victory and handing Foreman his first and only professional knockout loss.
Following a near-death experience and religious awakening, Foreman retired in 1977 to become a minister. The born-again Christian founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston and a youth center.
A decade later, at 38, he made a stunning comeback to raise funds for his youth center and challenge the new heavyweight star, Mike Tyson. Foreman returned with a 14-0 streak, proving age was no barrier.
In 1989, he launched a successful entrepreneurial empire, including the wildly popular George Foreman Grill.
At 42, he challenged Evander Holyfield for the world heavyweight title, lasting all 12 rounds despite Holyfield’s victory.
Undeterred, Foreman continued his pursuit of a title, wearing the same red trunks from the Rumble in the Jungle in a fight against Michael Moorer. At 45, he knocked out Moorer in the 10th round, becoming the oldest world champion in boxing history.
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Foreman retired from professional boxing in 1997 and remained dedicated to his ministerial work. He executive produced the 2023 film Big George Foreman, chronicling his religious and professional journeys.
Foreman is known for naming all five of his sons George—George Jr., George III (“Monk”), George IV (“Big Wheel”), George V (“Red”), and George VI (“Little Joey”). He is also survived by seven daughters, Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgetta, Isabella, and Courtney, and his wife of 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly.
