Two-time heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman, has passed away at 76 years old.
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His family announced the news in a statement, "Our hearts are broken. 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."
George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76
Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist pic.twitter.com/SePoy6omIN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 22, 2025
Throughout his career, he accumulated a 76-5 record, that also included 68 wins by knockout.
Foreman first made a name for himself during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, when he earned a gold medal at 19 years old.
Then in 1973, Foreman won his first of two heavyweight titles, famously knocking out undefeated Joe Frazier.
George Foreman TKO'd an undefeated Joe Frazier to win the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles in 1973 🙏🕊️pic.twitter.com/3dEwldz4SA
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) March 22, 2025
One year later, he fought against Muhammad Ali during the infamous "Rumble in the Jungle" bout, which resulted in a surprise loss (8th round TKO) for Foreman.
The George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali fight “Rumble in The Jungle” will always be considered a pivotal event in heavyweight boxing history
RIP George Foreman pic.twitter.com/UIDOMouaA6
— Music is Life (@ArtOfMusic_) March 22, 2025
In 1987, at 38 years old, with a different motivation and mindset, Foreman came out of a 10-year long retirement to face-off with Steve Zouski. He won via fourth round TKO.
And then in 1994, two decades after the loss to Ali, Foreman defeated Michael Moorer for his second heavyweight title.
Rest In Peace to two-time heavyweight champion and 2003 IBHOF inductee, 'Big' George Foreman. One of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
pic.twitter.com/e5UruBR1G8— 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔 (@KOJournals) March 22, 2025
Ultimately, Foreman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
RIP to the GREAT George Foreman. 😔
A true legend! #boxing 🥊 pic.twitter.com/ua4eiWqQLB
— Juan (@SomeJuanElse) March 22, 2025
Foreman's legacy is highlighted by his career both in and outside the ring.
As many know, Foreman launched the "Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machine," also known as the "George Foreman Grill," the same year he won his fight over Moorer at 45 years old.
This made him one of the wealthiest ever in the history of boxing, as the simple cooking machine sold more than 100 million units.
🚨 #BREAKING: Boxing legend George Foreman has passed away at 76
His family says he passed “peacefully.”
Huge loss! Grill up a steak tonight in his honor! pic.twitter.com/Vq2sFj4J4U
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 22, 2025
Notably, when Foreman initially hung up the gloves in 1977, he became an ordained minister.
Following a near-death experience after a fight in Puerto Rico, Foreman said it changed his life forever, as ever since then he dedicated his life to God.
“All of a sudden, Jesus Christ came alive in me.”
RIP to the legend George Foreman, who passed away tonight at age 76. He was a guest on the Sports Spectrum podcast in 2023. pic.twitter.com/ooH79zreEd
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) March 22, 2025
"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," Foreman's family wrote. "A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name — for his family."
His family concluded, "We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own."
Many have paid tribute to Foreman, as the world remembers one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Xs5QjMukqr
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 22, 2025
I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passing away. I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man.…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 22, 2025
Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/7v5XBSZfTi
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) March 22, 2025
Related: George Foreman Shares Emotional Message After Daughter Freeda Dies