George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight boxer who transformed into a beloved entrepreneur, has died at the age of 76. His family announced the news on Friday, March 21, 2025, through a statement posted on his official Instagram account.
“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,” the statement read. He was described as a devoted preacher, husband and father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
Born in 1949 in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, where he faced significant challenges in his early life. He described his childhood neighborhood as the “Bloody Fifth,” a reference to its dangerous reputation. Foreman dropped out of school at 15 and was involved in petty crime as a teenager. His life took a positive turn when he joined the Job Corps at 16, where he earned his GED and learned valuable trade skills.
Foreman’s boxing career began while in the Job Corps, initially as a way to lose weight. He quickly demonstrated natural talent and power in the ring. His amateur career culminated with winning the gold medal in heavyweight boxing at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where he defeated Soviet boxer Jonas Čepulis.
After turning professional in 1969, Foreman established himself as a formidable force in boxing. He amassed an impressive 37-0 record before facing undefeated champion Joe Frazier in 1973 for the Heavyweight Championship. In a shocking display of power, Foreman defeated Frazier by technical knockout to claim his first heavyweight title.
Foreman successfully defended his title against José Roman and Ken Norton before facing Muhammad Ali in the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” match in 1974. This fight, held in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), ended with Ali defeating Foreman – marking his first professional loss and the end of his first championship reign.
Following a yearlong hiatus, Foreman continued boxing until 1977, when he lost to Jimmy Young. This defeat led to a profound religious experience that changed his life trajectory. Foreman retired from boxing and became a born-again Christian, eventually becoming an ordained minister in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston.
In 1980, he opened the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston to provide guidance and opportunities for at-risk youth. Financial difficulties maintaining this center would later inspire his return to boxing.
After a decade away from the sport, Foreman made a remarkable comeback in 1987 at the age of 38. Despite being heavier and slower than in his prime, he embarked on an impressive winning streak that lasted three years. He received a title shot against Evander Holyfield in 1991 but lost the fight.
Foreman’s perseverance paid off when, at age 45, he defeated Michael Moorer in 1994 to regain the heavyweight championship, becoming the oldest fighter to ever hold a world championship title – a record that stood for two decades.
Foreman retired from boxing for good in 1997 after a defeat by Shannon Briggs, finishing with an overall professional record of 76-5, with 68 knockouts. Throughout his second career, Foreman transformed his public image from an intimidating fighter to a jovial, affable personality.
This transformation served him well in his next venture – product endorsement. In 1994, Foreman began promoting Salton Inc.’s portable electric grill. The George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine became a phenomenal commercial success, selling over 100 million units worldwide.
The grill deal proved far more lucrative than Foreman’s boxing career. In 1999, Salton paid him approximately $137.5 million for the perpetual rights to use his name on the product, setting him up financially for the rest of his life.
Beyond boxing and business, Foreman found success in entertainment. He worked as a ringside analyst for HBO for 12 years and appeared in numerous television programs, including the ABC sitcom “George” in 1993, the reality travel show “Better Late Than Never,” and the music competition “The Masked Singer.”
Foreman was known for his large family, including 12 children. Famously, he named all five of his sons George Edward Foreman, explaining that he wanted them to “always have something in common.” His daughter Freeda, who had followed him into professional boxing, died in 2019.
Foreman faced some controversies in his later years. In 2022, he was accused of sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s, allegations which he adamantly denied and fought to preserve his reputation.
Tributes have poured in from across the sports world and beyond. Sheryl Lee Ralph, who starred with Foreman in the sitcom “George,” remembered him fondly on Instagram.
Fellow boxing legend Mike Tyson expressed his condolences on social media, noting that Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
George Foreman leaves behind a multifaceted legacy as an Olympic gold medalist, two-time heavyweight champion, ordained minister, successful entrepreneur, and devoted family man.
