Boxing Legend George Foreman Dies at 76

George Foreman at the height of his intimidating powers in 1973. Public domain image.

Early Life and Career

Boxing legend George Foreman has died at the age of 76.

Nicknamed “Big George,” Foreman had one of the most amazing careers in boxing. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1968 and became world heavyweight champion twice — the second time at age 45, making him the oldest champion ever.

Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949. He grew up poor in the segregated South, raised by a single mother along with six siblings. He dropped out of school and got into trouble before turning to boxing.

Rise to Fame

At age 19, he won the heavyweight gold at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He then turned professional and won 37 fights in a row. He lost only five times in his whole career.

In 1973, he beat Joe Frazier — who had never lost before — knocking him down six times in just two rounds with devastating uppercuts.

The Rumble in the Jungle

The next year, he faced Muhammad Ali in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in the fight known as the Rumble in the Jungle. Ali, who was older and considered the underdog, shocked everyone by winning. He used a trick later called “rope-a-dope” to tire Foreman out and knocked him out in the eighth round.

Later Life and Career

Foreman later said that losing to Ali turned out to be a good thing because it led him to start preaching. He retired in 1977 and became a Christian minister. He began preaching on street corners and later built a church in Houston, Texas.

In 1987, he returned to boxing to raise money for a youth center. He won 24 more fights and, in 1994, knocked out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

That same year, he began selling the George Foreman Grill. It became a huge success, helped by his famous phrase: “Lean Mean Grilling Machine.”

Personal Life

Foreman was married five times and had 12 children, including five sons all named George. He said he gave them his name so they would always have something in common. “If one of us goes up, we all go up. If one goes down, we all go down,” he said.

Tributes and Legacy

His family shared a message on Instagram saying they were heartbroken. They described him as a preacher, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. They said he lived with faith, humility, and purpose. He was respected as a kind and disciplined man who always tried to protect his good name.

Many people shared tributes. Mike Tyson said Foreman’s impact on boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. The Ring magazine called him one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and a lasting icon.

Conclusion

George Foreman’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the boxing world and beyond. His legacy will live on through his achievements in the ring and his impact on popular culture. He will be remembered as a boxing legend, a devoted family man, and a successful entrepreneur.