The Champ, George Foreman, Passes Away at 76

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, a legendary figure in the world of boxing, passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 76, his family announced. Best known for his iconic 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" bout against Muhammad Ali, Foreman's career spanned decades and culminated in him reclaiming the heavyweight title twenty years later. A true sporting icon, his impact on the world of boxing will forever be remembered.

Administrator

25 March, 2025

George Foreman, affectionately known as “Big George,” had a remarkable journey from dropping out of school as a teenager to becoming an Olympic champion and, later, a boxing legend.

Foreman’s professional career spanned 81 fights, with an impressive 76 wins and 68 knockouts. His success in the ring led to endorsements, including the famous “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” which brought him celebrity status beyond the world of sports.

Foreman’s family announced his passing on March 21, 2025, with a heartfelt statement on Instagram, expressing their sorrow and gratitude for the love and prayers received.

Bob Arum, a legendary boxing promoter, hailed Foreman as a powerhouse in the ring and a larger-than-life personality.

Born in Texas in 1949, Foreman had a challenging upbringing in Houston. He was raised by a frequently absent and alcoholic father figure, only learning later in life that J.D. Foreman was not his biological father. Foreman’s real father, a World War II veteran, reached out after he won the world heavyweight title.

As a teenager, Foreman was drawn to crime and dropped out of school at 16. His imposing stature, standing at 6-foot-2 by the age of 13, made him a force to be reckoned with. However, he found an outlet in boxing, which he initially took up to prove his courage to his friends.

George Foreman in action against Muhammad Ali in their heavyweight title fight in Kinshasa, 1974. Photo: AFP

Foreman’s natural talent was evident, and just a year after taking up boxing, he became an Olympic gold medalist at the 1968 Mexico Games, dominating the super-heavyweight division.

Foreman’s Olympic victory came at a significant time, just 10 days after African Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos made a powerful black power salute at the 200m track final. Foreman proudly waved the American flag in the ring to celebrate his win.

A Force to Be Reckoned With

“Big George” stood at 6-foot-4, towering over his heavyweight contemporaries. He combined lightning-fast footwork with powerful punches, earning a reputation as one of the biggest punchers in the sport. His ascent through the professional ranks culminated in a heavyweight title fight against Joe Frazier, which Foreman won decisively in just two rounds.

Foreman’s unbeaten streak continued, and by the time he faced Muhammad Ali in October 1974 in Kinshasa, he had 40 professional wins under his belt. However, Ali’s famous “rope-a-dope” strategy exhausted Foreman, leading to his first defeat in eight rounds.

This loss shook Foreman’s confidence, and he later described it as the most embarrassing moment of his life. He attempted a comeback, but a points loss to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977 marked the end of his first stint in the ring.

George Foreman celebrates after defeating Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title in 1994. Photo: AFP

Foreman retired from boxing at 28 and became an ordained minister. However, he made a surprising comeback a decade later, now bald and with a softer physique. Many saw this as a gimmick, but Foreman later revealed it was to fund his youth center.

A Champion Returns

Over the next three years, Foreman fought 21 times, mostly against unremarkable opponents, winning every time. His name still carried weight, and he earned title shots against Evander Holyfield in 1991 and Tommy Morrison in 1993, losing both on points.

In November 1994, Foreman faced Michael Moorer, the new champion who had dethroned Holyfield. Wearing the same shorts from his fight with Ali two decades earlier, Foreman staged a remarkable comeback, knocking Moorer out in the 10th round.

At 45 years and 299 days old, Foreman became the oldest heavyweight world champion in history. He held on to his titles until 1997, when he lost to Shannon Briggs at 48 years old and retired for the second time.

Foreman’s life outside the ring was eventful, with four marriages, 10 biological children, and two adopted children. He named all his sons George Edward, symbolizing their shared destiny.

George Foreman’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of second chances. His impact on the sport of boxing and his journey from Olympic gold to heavyweight champion twice over will forever be etched in sporting history.