Boxing Legend George Foreman Passes Away
GEORGE FOREMAN – The legendary heavyweight boxing champion passed away at 76 on March 21, 2025. His family announced his peaceful passing, expressing gratitude for the support they received while requesting privacy to honor his life.
Born on January 10, 1949, in Texas, Foreman grew up in a tough environment. He dropped out of school at 16 and was involved in petty crimes before finding his way into boxing. Initially aspiring to be a football player, he took up boxing to prove his toughness. Just a year later, he won an Olympic gold medal at the 1968 Mexico Games.
Foreman’s professional boxing career took off quickly. At 6’4″ with immense strength, he dominated the heavyweight division. In 1973, he defeated Joe Frazier in just two rounds to become world champion. However, in 1974, he suffered a famous defeat against Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle,” where Ali’s rope-a-dope strategy exhausted Foreman, leading to an eighth-round knockout. The loss deeply affected him.
After a failed attempt to reclaim the title in 1977, Foreman experienced a life-changing moment, believing God had called him to a new path. He retired at 28 and became a minister. A decade later, needing funds for his youth center, he returned to boxing. Many dismissed his comeback, as he was older and heavier, but he surprised everyone by winning 21 straight fights.
In 1994, at nearly 46, Foreman made history by knocking out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest champion ever. Although later stripped of his titles, he continued fighting until his final match in 1997, retiring with 76 wins out of 81 fights, 68 by knockout.
Beyond boxing, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur with the George Foreman Grill, which turned him into a household name. He was also a father to 12 children, naming all five of his sons George. His life was a testament to resilience, faith, and reinvention, leaving a lasting legacy in sports and business.