Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76
Poppy Bilderbeck
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Variety
George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76 'surrounded by loved ones,' his family said in a statement.
The American professional boxer - nicknamed 'Big George' - competed in the ring between 1967 and 1997 gaining legendary status as a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist.
His family said in a post on Instagram last night: "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.
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"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."
Indeed, after taking up amateur boxing only to go on to win gold at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympic Games, Foreman went on to win the world heavyweight title after knocking out Joe Frazier in the second round in 1973.
After losing to Muhammad Ali in 1974 and Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman retired and later became an ordained Christian minister.
However, that wouldn't be it for the boxing legend - ten years later he announced a comeback and knocked out 26-year-old Michael Moorer in 1994, Foreman aged 45 at the time.
A year later after his win against Axel Schulz, he became the oldest world heavyweight champion in history.
Foreman finally retired for good at the age of 48 in 1997 with a record of 68 knockouts out of 76 wins and just five losses - inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame alongside the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
He's considered one of the greatest boxers of all time and the 'outpouring of love' for Foreman continues.
His family resolved in their statement: "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."
And it's not taken long for fans of the boxer to pay their respects online.
A Twitter user wrote: "From knocking out opponents in the ring to winning hearts outside of it, George Foreman was a true icon. His legacy will live on through his achievements, wisdom, and of course, those famous grills."
"A true legend. George Foreman wasn’t just a 2 time heavyweight champ, he was the oldest to ever win the title at age 45, and his grill sold over 100 million units. He punched hard and lived even bigger," another added.
A third commented: "My heartfelt condolences to his family members, friends and fans. He was a a legend, two-time World Heavyweight Champion, an Olympic gold medalist as well as an entrepreneur and preacher. Rest In Peace, Big Champ."
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