LOS ANGELES – George Foreman, the larger-than-life two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, minister, and entrepreneur, died Friday at age 76, his family announced.
Known as much for his powerful presence in the ring as for his faith and humility outside of it, Foreman passed away peacefully on March 21, surrounded by loved ones.
His family shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling him “a force for good” who lived a life of “unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
They described him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather,” and called him “a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy.”
How George Foreman became a boxing legend
The backstory:
Born and raised in Houston’s Fifth Ward, George Foreman rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected names in sports history. He first gained national attention by winning a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, representing the U.S. in the heavyweight division.
He went on to claim the heavyweight world title in 1973, famously defeating Joe Frazier with a dominant second-round knockout. Foreman’s early boxing career was marked by his power and intensity, but after a shocking loss to Muhammad Ali in 1974’s iconic “Rumble in the Jungle,” Foreman’s life took a spiritual turn.
George Foreman at the premiere of “Big George Foreman” held at Regal L.A. Live on April 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
After retiring in 1977, he became an ordained minister and opened a youth center in Houston. He returned to boxing a decade later in one of the sport’s most remarkable comebacks. At age 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion in history when he defeated Michael Moorer in 1994.
What made Foreman a cultural icon beyond the ring
Big picture view:
While Foreman was revered as a fighter, his post-boxing career turned him into a household name. He became the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide and helped him build a business empire.
He also authored several books, appeared in commercials, and shared his story as a preacher and motivational speaker. In 2023, his extraordinary life was chronicled in the biopic “Big George Foreman,” which portrayed his rise, fall, and spiritual rebirth.
Throughout it all, Foreman remained deeply connected to his hometown of Houston. “I love this city,” he told the Houston Chronicle in 2016. “I really do.”
