Boxing Legend George Foreman Dies At 76.
American boxing icon George Foreman, renowned for his historic comeback to reclaim the heavyweight title at age 45 and his success as a product pitchman, passed away on Friday at the age of 76.
“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,” his family confirmed in an Instagram post.
Foreman, known for his formidable punching power, first became heavyweight champion in 1973 after defeating Joe Frazier but lost the title a year later to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle.” He later stunned the world by returning to the ring in his 40s, eventually knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994 to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Beyond boxing, Foreman became a household name through his endorsement of the George Foreman Grill, a product that made him a multimillionaire and cemented his legacy in popular culture.
A Journey from Adversity to Greatness
Born on 10 January 1949 in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in Houston in a struggling household with six siblings. Dropping out of school, he found himself in street gangs before the Job Corps programme steered him towards boxing at the age of 16.
By 19, Foreman had won the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Turning professional, he quickly rose through the ranks, winning 37 consecutive fights before defeating Frazier in 1973 to claim the heavyweight title.
His reign was cut short in 1974 when Ali used his famous “rope-a-dope” strategy to exhaust and defeat Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). The loss devastated Foreman, leading him to retire in 1977 and become a Christian minister.
A Historic Comeback
In 1987, Foreman made a remarkable return to boxing, initially aiming to raise funds for his youth centre. Despite scepticism over his age and weight—he had ballooned to 315 pounds (143 kg)—he gradually worked his way back into title contention.
After losing to Evander Holyfield in 1991, Foreman achieved the unthinkable in 1994, defeating undefeated Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight championship at 45. His final bout came in 1997, ending an illustrious career with 76 wins and just five losses.
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
Foreman’s success extended far beyond boxing. His endorsement of the George Foreman Grill turned him into a global entrepreneur, earning him a reported $137.5 million from Salton Inc. in 1999.
Married five times, he settled with his fifth wife, Mary Joan Martelly, in 1985. He had five sons, all named George, along with five biological and two adopted daughters.
Throughout his life, Foreman remained a symbol of perseverance, reinvention, and success, inspiring millions with his journey from troubled youth to world champion and business mogul. His impact on both boxing and popular culture will be remembered for generations.
