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George Foreman: A Champion Boxer and Ubiquitous Entrepreneur Passes at 76
Bigger than life in more ways than one, George Foreman captivated the hearts and minds of sports fans across the globe and found an enduring place on the kitchen counters of countless American homes. A two-time heavyweight champion, entrepreneur, author, and minister, Foreman passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family and publicist.
George Foreman Legacy
With heavy hearts, Foreman’s family shared the news on Instagram: “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed surrounded by loved ones. 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.”
Affectionately known as “Big George,” Foreman was best recognized as a championship boxer. He brought home the heavyweight gold medal from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, launching his professional career, which reached a pinnacle in 1973 when he defeated Joe Frazier in Jamaica to claim his first heavyweight championship. This fight, dominated by Foreman, is famously remembered for sportscaster Howard Cosell’s legendary call: “Down goes Frazier!”
In 1974, Foreman fought Muhammad Ali in what would become one of boxing’s most iconic matches, dubbed “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Although Foreman entered the ring as the heavy favorite, he suffered the first loss of his career, yielding his title to Ali via an eighth-round knockout. This legendary bout became one of the most-watched televised events in history, solidifying Ali’s moniker as “The Greatest.”
Following a victorious rematch against Frazier in 1976, Foreman faced challenges, retiring after another defeat to Jimmy Young. However, his story didn’t end there. After a decade away from the ring, Foreman made a surprising return in 1987 at the age of 38, stringing together 12 consecutive wins before falling to Evander Holyfield in 1991.
In a remarkable comeback, Foreman made history in 1994 when he, at 45 years old, defeated 26-year-old Michael Moorer to capture the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming the oldest person ever to win a world heavyweight championship. He relinquished the titles at 46 years and 169 days old, ultimately retiring for a second time in 1997 with an impressive career record of 76 wins and only 5 losses, 68 of which were knockouts. In 2003, Foreman was rightfully inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, earning his place among the 25 best boxers of all time.
Beyond the boxing ring, Foreman made a tremendous impact as an entrepreneur, particularly as the face of the George Foreman Grill. Launched in 1994, this innovative kitchen appliance became a global sensation, with over 100 million units sold within its first 25 years.
Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, and his 12 children—five sons and seven daughters—sharing that “Big George” famously named all his sons George Edward Foreman so “they would always have something in common.”
George Foreman leaves behind a lasting legacy that transcended sports, embodying resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit. He will be fondly remembered, not just as a boxing champion but as a beloved figure in the hearts of many.
Related links:
https://www.tmz.com/2025/03/21/george-foreman-dead/
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