George Foreman, the iconic two-time world heavyweight champion and successful businessman, has passed away at 76.

His family announced his death on Friday, sharing that he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

The family issued a statement on Foreman’s official Instagram account, saying: “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.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”

Born in Houston, Texas, in 1949, Foreman faced early challenges but found direction through the Job Corps program, where he discovered his passion for boxing.

At 13, he was already an imposing figure, standing 6’2” and weighing 200 pounds. His younger brother Roy recalled, “George was about 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and the terror in the neighborhood. And when you’re bigger and stronger, you think you’re better than everyone else.”

Foreman’s athletic talent was undeniable when he won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics as a super-heavyweight. At just 19 years old, he celebrated his victory with an American flag, just days after Tommie Smith and John Carlos made their iconic Black Power salute.

Standing 6’4″ and known as “Big George,” Foreman was a dominant force in the heavyweight division.

His aggressive style earned him the heavyweight title in 1973 after a crushing victory over Joe Frazier in just two rounds.

Foreman’s undefeated reign led to a highly anticipated showdown with Muhammad Ali in 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Foreman entered the ring with a perfect 40-0 record but lost in the eighth round after Ali’s famous “rope-a-dope” strategy wore him down.

“That was the most embarrassing moment of my life,” Foreman later reflected. “It went from pride to pity.”

After a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman retired at 28, feeling a divine calling.

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He became an ordained minister and focused on his faith. But in the 1980s, with funds for his youth center running low, Foreman made a stunning return to the boxing ring.

Despite his new, heavier frame and a bald head, many viewed his comeback as a novelty, but he silenced critics by winning 20 of his 21 bouts, 20 by knockout.

In 1991, Foreman challenged Evander Holyfield for the title but lost on points.

A year later, he was defeated by Tommy Morrison.

However, in 1994, Foreman stunned the world when, at the age of 45, he knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to win the heavyweight title for a second time, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

Though he was later stripped of his WBA and IBF titles for not meeting mandatory challengers, he remained the “lineal” world champion until his retirement in 1997, following a loss to Shannon Briggs.

Foreman retired with an incredible 76-5 record, 68 knockouts.

Beyond boxing, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur, with his George Foreman Grill becoming a household name, selling over 100 million units worldwide.

His friendly demeanor and charm in ads made him a popular figure far beyond the sports world.

As a dedicated preacher, he also hosted the 1996 TV show Bad Dads, promoting the importance of fatherhood. A father of 12 children, Foreman famously named five of his sons George Edward Foreman, stating, “If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together.”

Foreman’s impact on boxing, business, and culture is immense. A two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and loving family man, his legacy is one of reinvention, triumph, and redemption.

The world mourns his passing, but his place among the greatest heavyweights of all time is secure.

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