Celebrated heavyweight boxing champion and entrepreneur George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76, as announced by his family on social media. Foreman, known affectionately as "Big George," was not only a formidable presence in the boxing ring but also a household name due to his successful line of indoor grills that revolutionized cooking.
Foreman's family shared the tragic news on Instagram, stating, "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." No immediate cause of death was disclosed.
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman was raised in a challenging environment. He dropped out of school at the age of 15 but found purpose in boxing at the age of 16. His journey from troubled youth to Olympic gold medalist was nothing short of remarkable. In 1968, at the age of 19, he won an Olympic gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics, firmly establishing himself in the sport.
Foreman's professional boxing career began in 1969, and he quickly made a name for himself as one of the most powerful punchers in the history of the sport. He won his first heavyweight title at age 24 by decisively knocking out Joe Frazier in 1973. This victory was significant, allowing him to express his immense talent and strength. However, Foreman faced a major setback when he lost his title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" in Zaire in 1974.
Despite the loss, Foreman’s resilience did not waver. After a 10-year hiatus from the sport where he explored his faith and became an ordained minister, he made a triumphant return to boxing at the age of 38. In a stunning comeback, Foreman regained the heavyweight title at the age of 45, becoming the oldest champion in boxing history when he defeated Michael Moorer in 1994.
This incredible achievement did not only cement his status in boxing history; it also led to massive endorsement success. The same year he reclaimed his title, Foreman launched the "George Foreman Grill." Known as the "Lean Mean Grilling Machine," the product became a culinary phenomenon, selling over 100 million units worldwide and making Foreman a wealthy entrepreneur.
Foreman was not just a boxer or businessman; he was also a family man who took great pride in his role as a father and grandfather. His family described him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather.” He lived a life marked by faith, humility, and purpose, according to their statement.
Referring to his complex life journey, Foreman once said, "I have been literally rescued from the gutter." This reflects his transformation from a former delinquent to a respected figure in boxing and the community at large. His commitment to empowering youth was palpable through his philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment of the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston.
After his retirement in 1997, Foreman continued to engage with the sport as a commentator and analyst, gaining respect for his insights and affable personality. Foreman was inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, reaffirming his status as an icon in the sport.
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from around the world. Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated, "The world knew Foreman as a two-time heavyweight champion; we knew him as a proud member of our community — a man whose heart was as big as his powerful punch." This sentiment was echoed by many within the boxing community who praised Foreman for his contributions both in and out of the ring.
Foreman’s legacy will be remembered not only for his impressive boxing record—76 wins with 68 knockouts—but also for his work as a humanitarian and entrepreneur. He had the unique ability to connect with people, whether through his knockout punches or his captivating grill commercials, making him an endearing figure to many.
In his later years, Foreman reflected on life’s challenges, stating, "Everyone in life goes through a hard time sometime, but you can't let that define who you are." This optimistic outlook and his many accomplishments reflect a life well-lived and serve as an inspiration to countless individuals navigating their own struggles.
Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, and his twelve children, five of whom share his name, George. His family thanked the public for the outpouring of love, asking for privacy as they mourn their loss. As one of the most influential figures in boxing history passes, the world has truly lost a legend.
