The world of sports and beyond is mourning after the tragic news of George Foreman’s death at 76. The heavyweight boxing icon, Olympic gold medalist, ordained minister, and beloved entrepreneur passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.
His death marks the end of an era. But his life? It was nothing short of extraordinary. From the boxing ring to late-night infomercials, George Foreman’s impact was felt everywhere.
As we reflect on his incredible legacy, it’s only right to ask: How did George Foreman become one of the most influential figures in American sports and business history?
From a Tough Childhood to Olympic Gold
Born in 1949 in Marshall, Texas, George Edward Foreman Sr. did not have an easy start. He often spoke about being a troubled youth and admitted to being a bully growing up.
At the age of 16, he joined the Job Corps, a federal program aimed at helping young people build life and job skills. That experience changed everything. It was there that Foreman found boxing. At age 17, he put on gloves for the first time.
Within just two years, he became a household name after winning gold at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
He fought Soviet boxer Jonas Cepulis in the final. Though he had fewer than 20 amateur fights under his belt, Foreman stunned the world with a dominant performance.
In a 2012 interview with the BBC, Foreman said,
“When I look back at the fight, all I can remember was how afraid I was… I wanted to win gold but didn’t expect anything like that to happen in my life.”
That moment set the stage for a legendary professional career.
George Foreman Death at 76: A Knockout Career That Stunned the World
Foreman turned professional in 1969 and quickly became known for his ferocious power. In 1973, he made history by knocking out Joe Frazier, a former Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion, to win the heavyweight title.
That fight in Jamaica shocked fans around the world. Foreman knocked Frazier down six times in just two rounds, establishing himself as a fearsome new king of the heavyweight division.
But his reign didn’t last long. In 1974, he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).
Foreman entered the ring undefeated and favored to win. But Ali stunned him and the world by using his now-famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, letting Foreman tire himself out before delivering a knockout blow in the eighth round.
The loss was devastating, but it became one of the most iconic moments in boxing history.
George Foreman Death at 76: From Defeat to Redemption
In 1977, after a loss to Jimmy Young, Foreman collapsed in the locker room suffering from exhaustion and heatstroke. He later described it as a near-death experience that changed his life.
He stepped away from boxing and returned to Texas, where he became an ordained minister.
In 1984, he opened the George Foreman Youth and Community Center, giving back to the community and helping troubled youth find a new path—just like he had years earlier.
But the ring wasn’t done with him. In 1987, at the age of 38, Foreman made a shocking return to boxing. Most thought it was a publicity stunt. Some laughed.
They weren’t laughing for long.
The Oldest Heavyweight Champion in History
Foreman’s comeback reached its peak in 1994. At age 45, he faced Michael Moorer for the heavyweight title.
Moorer was 19 years younger and a heavy favorite. But in the 10th round, Foreman shocked the world again with a thunderous right hand that sent Moorer to the canvas.
Just like that, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
After the fight, Foreman smiled and said:
“Anything you desire, you can make happen. It’s like the song, ‘When you wish upon a star your dreams come true.’ Well, look at me tonight.”
That win wasn’t just a sports story. It was a story of resilience, belief, and the power of redemption.
George Foreman Death at 76: Building a Brand Outside the Ring
Foreman officially retired from boxing in 1997, ending his career with a record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and just 5 losses.
But his second act was just getting started.
He reinvented himself as a charismatic and approachable pitchman, most famously for the George Foreman Grill.
Launched in the mid-1990s, the grill became a cultural phenomenon. It was quick, easy, and marketed as a healthy way to cook. With Foreman’s charm and sincerity, sales exploded.
It’s estimated that Foreman made over $200 million from the grill—far more than he ever earned in the ring.
He also appeared in commercials, TV shows, and reality competitions, including a memorable turn on “The Masked Singer” in 2022.
George Foreman Death at 76: A Devoted Father and Family Man
Foreman had 12 children, and he famously named all five of his sons George—George Jr., George III, George IV, George V, and George VI.
On his website, he explained:
“I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common. I say to them, ‘If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together.’”
His family meant everything to him. In the statement announcing his death, they wrote:
“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.”
George Foreman Death at 76: Tributes Pour In
The sports world reacted swiftly to the news.
Mike Tyson wrote:
“Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Scottie Pippen tweeted:
“Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.”
Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, said:
“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather and the best friend you could have. His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace.”
Even actor William Shatner paid tribute:
“Condolences to the family of George Foreman.”
George Foreman Death at 76: Remembering the Man Behind the Legend
George Foreman was more than just a boxer. He was a fighter in every sense of the word—in the ring, in life, in faith, and in business.
He overcame poverty, defeat, and public doubt. And he used every setback as fuel. He stood for redemption, second chances, and the belief that it’s never too late to change your story.
From Olympic gold to heavyweight titles, from preaching to promoting, George Foreman’s life touched millions.
He will be missed. But more importantly, he will be remembered.
