George Foreman, the iconic heavyweight boxing champion, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. His family announced his death the following day, sharing their sorrow on Instagram.
“Our hearts are broken. As a believer, devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, his life was marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” they wrote in a heartfelt message. Foreman, remembered not only for his prowess in the ring but also as a humanitarian, is considered one of the greats in boxing history.
Foreman’s impressive journey began with a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, a feat that heralded his arrival in the boxing world. He quickly transitioned into professional boxing, securing the WBC and WBA titles from 1973 to 1974.
His career defining moment came when he faced Muhammad Ali on October 30, 1974, in a match famously known as the “Rumble in the Jungle.” The bout, held under the sweltering Kinshasa jungle heat, is considered one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Though Foreman ultimately lost to Ali in that bout, he was regarded as virtually invincible leading up to this match.
After a brief retirement following a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman made a historic comeback in 1994. At the age of 45, he defeated Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest fighter ever to hold that title. This achievement further solidified his legacy in the sport.
In 1995, he defended his title against German fighter Axel Schulz in a highly controversial bout before ultimately retiring from professional boxing in 1997.
“His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” noted fellow boxer Mike Tyson in a tribute posted on X. Tyson's sentiment resonated with many who admired Foreman's resilience and commitment to the sport.
Beyond his boxing successes, Foreman ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of the George Foreman Grill. The foreman grill became a household name, with over 100 million units sold globally, making him one of the most recognizable personalities beyond just boxing.
Following his first retirement in 1977, Foreman also committed himself to faith, becoming a preacher and establishing the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, Texas, to help underprivileged youth.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, and their twelve children, with a notable mention of his five sons who all share his name, reflecting his deep commitment to family.
Foreman's family acknowledged their appreciation for the overwhelming support and condolences from the public, asking for privacy as they honor the extraordinary life of a man they were proud to call their own.
As the boxing world mourns the loss of George Foreman, many reflect on his impact, remembering him as not only a champion but a symbol of hope, discipline, and perseverance.
