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Legendary Boxer George Foreman Dead at 76

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 11:19 PM ET

The world of boxing and, indeed, the world of cooking and the world in general suffered a blow on Friday when it was announced that popular former heavyweight champion George Foreman has died. He was 76.

Foreman rose to international prominence in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico when he won a gold medal a year before turning pro. He became a champion when he beat undefeated Joe Frazier in a bout held in Jamaica in 1973.

He lost the heavyweight championship to Muhammad Ali in the renowned "Rumble in the Jungle" in Kinshasa, Zaire, in 1974. That was Foreman's first pro loss.

Foreman retired in 1977 but repeatedly came back to the ring and amazed boxing fans by winning back his heavyweight belt in 1994 at age 45. He knocked out 26-year-old Michael Moorer in that bout.

The news of Foreman's death came via his family's Instagram account. It read:

"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. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose."

Foreman sparked controversy at the 1968 Olympics because, while other Black athletes were protesting racial inequality during the games, Foreman waved an American flag in the ring after his win.

“I was just glad to be an American,” Foreman said about waving the flag, via the New York Times. “Some people have tried to make something of it, calling me an Uncle Tom, but I’m not. I just believe people should live together in peace.”

As he grew older, Foreman cultivated a lovable big-guy persona that many latched onto, especially on late-night talk shows.

"GEORGE THE STRONGEST GUY I EVER FOUGHT AGAINST"-
Mutual respect between heavyweight legends, reigning heavyweight champion Evander "Real Deal" Holyfield & "Big George" Foreman reunite on Letterman in the days following a surprise memorable slugfest in April 1991#boxing #history pic.twitter.com/7fvOsbLwWu
— KT_BOXING (@KT_BOXING) November 16, 2021

He became the face of a wildly popular brand of indoor grills. The Times reported: "In 1999, Salton Inc. paid $137.5 million for worldwide rights to use Foreman’s name on grills; Foreman got about 75 percent of the payout. He also endorsed mufflers, fried chicken and chips."

He likely will be remembered as a pitchman with an endearing personality as much as for his boxing, though he will go down among the top heavyweights of all time. Foreman's record in the ring was 76-5.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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