R.I.P. Champion Boxing Legend George Foreman Sr….
Legendary boxer and two-time heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman Sr. died at 76.
Source: Eric Charbonneau / Getty
On Friday, March 21, the household of “Big George” confirmed that he handed away “peacefully” and surrounded by family members. The announcement was posted on his official Instagram web page with a image of the George Foreman Grill creator surrounded by his kids.
Our hearts are damaged. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by family members. A religious preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering religion, humility, and goal.
A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply revered — a pressure for good, a man of self-discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, combating tirelessly to protect his good title— for his household.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privateness as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we have been blessed to call our own.
Foreman’s epic profession spanned from 1967 to 1997. After one 12 months of combating as an newbie, he gained a gold medal for heavyweight boxing within the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. He went professional the subsequent 12 months and gained the undisputed heavyweight title in 1970 with a 12-0 report, 11 by knockout. In 1971, the World Boxing Association ranked Foreman primary with a 32-0 report, together with 29 knockouts.
At the Sunshine Showdown in 1973, an undefeated Foreman confronted off towards an undefeated and undisputed heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. Big Joe was the underdog regardless of his huge dimension benefit, however gained by TKO to the now-famous phrase, “Down goes Frazier!”
In one other iconic battle, Foreman defended his title towards Muhammad Ali within the 1974 Rumble within the Jungle. While getting ready for the Kinshasa, Zaire match, Foreman suffered an eye damage that prevented him from sparring whereas coaching. He later credited that impediment with Ali lasting eight rounds and downing the favourite to win for the primary time in his profession. When the referee stopped the struggle, as Foreman fought to his ft, Ali led in scoring and secured a controversial victory. This marked Foreman’s first and final skilled knockout.
After a near-death expertise and non secular calling, Foreman retired in 1977 to change into a minister. The born-again Christian based the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston and a youth heart.
A decade later, Foreman introduced a daring comeback to raise money for his youth heart. He additionally seemed ahead to combating the new heavyweight boxing star, Mike Tyson. The 38-year-old returned with a 14-0 streak, proving age was nothing however a quantity within the ring.
In 1989, he launched an entrepreneurial empire with a number of merchandise, together with the extremely profitable George Foreman Grill. At 42, Foreman challenged Evander Holyfield for the world heavyweight title. Once again, Big George defied expectations by lasting all 12 rounds, though Holyfield outscored him.
Foreman didn’t stop there. While increasing to different ventures like a sitcom TV show, he continued to pursue a title. He wore the identical purple trunks from Rumble within the Jungle for a heavyweight title struggle towards Michael Moorer. Despite a practically 20-year age hole, Foreman slugged out 10 rounds till he knocked out Moorer. He made historical past again because the oldest world champion at 45 years outdated.
In 1997, Foreman retired from skilled boxing. He continued his dedication to ministerial work and govt produced the 2023 movie about his non secular {and professional} journeys, Big George Foreman.Â
The beloved father famously named all 5 of his sons George: George Jr., George III (“Monk”), George IV (“Big Wheel”), George V (“Red”), and George VI (“Little Joey”). He additionally had seven daughters, Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgetta, Isabella, and Courtney. He can also be survived by his spouse of 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly.
Our condolences exit to George Foreman Sr.’s family members.
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