Boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76

Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman has died aged 76.

Foreman fought Muhammad Ali in one of boxing’s most historic fights, Rumble In The Jungle, and was also the oldest heavyweight world champion in history.

Away from boxing, Foreman achieved worldwide fame as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units.

A statement released by his family on his Instagram account said he died peacefully on Friday ‘surrounded by loved ones’.

After winning gold at the 1986 Olympics in Mexico, Foreman entered boxing’s professional ranks as one of the most feared young fighters in the sport, ploughing through the division as he left a trail of destruction in his wake.

After winning 35 of his first 38 fights by brutal knockout, Foreman was crowned world champion after flattening Joe Frazier in 1973, coming in as the underdog but knocking the champion down six times as he stunned the world.

Foreman went onto defend the title against Ken Norton the following year, putting the challenger away in two rounds.

It set up Rumble In The Jungle, boxing’s most celebrated night, taking on Ali who was returning to the sport after a seven-year wilderness. In Zaire, Foreman fell victim to Ali’s ‘rope-a-dope’ tactics, punching himself out before Ali went for the kill in the eighth round.

Foreman fought six more times, suffering another defeat to Jimmy Young. Having been left questioning his ability since the Ali defeat, he retired after the Young defeat to become an ordained minister.

He spent the next 10 years away from boxing but at the age of 38, he stunned the world again by announcing his return.

While many questioned what the overweight veteran could accomplish against a new generation of fighters, Foreman racked up 24 more wins to earn a world title shot against Evander Holyfield.

He fell short that night, also failing in a title bid against Tommy Morrison in 1993, but the following year he made history.

In November 1994 aged 45, Foreman took on WBA and IBF champion Michael  Moorer, reclaiming the world titles with a devastating 10^th round knockout.

Foreman defended the title three times before a controversial defeat to Shannon Briggs in 1997.

While his return to boxing was profitable, it was with the George Foreman Grill that made is fortune. Launched the year of his final world title success, his affable personality and enthusiasm turned the product into a household must-have.

Foreman was married five times, most recently to Mary Joan Martelly whom he wed in 1985. He is also survived by 12 children including five sons all named George.

A statement from the Foreman family said: ‘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.

‘A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.

‘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.’

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