George Foreman, the legendary heavyweight boxing champion and later, entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 76, his family confirmed. Known affectionately as “Big George,” Foreman crafted one of the most extraordinary careers in boxing history, capturing two world heavyweight titles 21 years apart and securing an Olympic gold medal in 1968. His influence extended beyond the ring, where he became a cultural icon, a mentor to many, and a symbol of perseverance.

Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman was raised in a tough environment, eventually finding his salvation in the sport of boxing. He dropped out of school and, for a time, was involved in street crime before discovering boxing through a government job corps program. His journey to greatness began with a gold medal victory at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics before he turned professional in 1969. He quickly made a name for himself with his devastating punching power, amassing an impressive record that included 76 wins, 68 of which were by knockout. His powerful, aggressive style made him one of the most feared heavyweights of his time.

Title bout and Rumble in the Jungle

Foremans first world title came on January 22, 1973, when he demolished reigning champion Joe Frazier in just two rounds, knocking him down six times in the process. His reign, however, was short-lived as he lost his title to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” on October 30, 1974. Ali’s strategic “rope-a-dope” tactic led to an eighth-round knockout, marking one of the most iconic moments in boxing history. Foreman later admitted that he had underestimated Ali, believing he could overpower him without consequence. The loss haunted him for years, leading to a deep period of self-reflection.

Following his defeat to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman experienced a profound religious awakening in his dressing room, an event he often described as life-changing. He retired from boxing to become an ordained minister and devoted himself to preaching and humanitarian work. He founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, Texas, and became an advocate for underprivileged youth, opening a community center to support children in need. He dedicated over a decade to spreading his message of faith, hope, and redemption, inspiring countless individuals.

A Triumphant Return

However, his love for boxing never faded. In 1987, Foreman launched an improbable comeback at the age of 38, initially to raise funds for his youth center. Many doubted his return, but he silenced critics with an incredible run that led to a world title shot against Evander Holyfield in 1991. Though he lost by decision, he won the hearts of fans with his resilience and charm, proving that he was more than just a powerful puncherhe was a warrior with an indomitable spirit. After further wins over Alex Stewart and Pierre Coetzer, Foreman challenged for the WBO title in 1993, narrowly losing to Tommy Morrison. Yet, his determination never wavered.

Then, on November 5, 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman shocked the world by knocking out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight championship. With a single punch in the 10th round, he became the oldest man to ever hold the title, cementing his place in sports history. The moment was made even more poetic when he donned the same red trunks he had worn during his loss to Ali two decades earlier. 

Entrepreneurship, Family Life and Legacy

Foreman officially retired in 1997, leaving behind a boxing legacy that included a 76-5 record with 68 knockouts. However, his success extended far beyond the ring. He became a household name through his best-selling George Foreman Grill, a product that sold over 100 million units worldwide and cemented his status as an entrepreneurial icon. His friendly demeanor and humorous advertisements endeared him to millions, making him a beloved figure even among those who had never seen him fight.

A devoted family man, Foreman was married five times and had 12 children, including five sons named George, a decision he explained as a way to unify them. 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,’ he once shared. He took immense pride in his family and often credited them as his greatest source of joy. He believed in passing down wisdom and discipline, ensuring that his children carried on his values of hard work, faith, and resilience.

His family expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt statement: “Our hearts are broken. 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. A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respecteda force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy. He fought tirelessly to preserve his good name and the integrity of his family.”

Foreman’s legacy continues to inspire upcoming generation of boxers with condolences pouring from legends that came after him.