World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman Dies at 76

March 23, 2025

3 minutes read

George Foreman dies at 76
George Foreman dies at 76

Boxing legend George Foreman has passed away at age 76. The former world heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and businessman left behind a remarkable legacy in sports and beyond.

A Life of Triumph and Challenges

Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949, Foreman grew up in Houston under tough conditions. His family struggled with poverty in the segregated South, and he dropped out of junior high school. As a teenager, he got into trouble, using his size and strength for street robberies.

However, his life took a dramatic turn at 16 when he joined the Job Corps, a program under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” reforms. There, he discovered boxing, which became his path to greatness.

By age 19, Foreman had already made history. In just his 25th amateur fight, he won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. This victory launched his professional career, leading to his first heavyweight championship in 1973 when he defeated Joe Frazier.

The Rumble in the Jungle and Career Comeback

Foreman’s reign as champion was short-lived. In 1974, he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Ali’s famous rope-a-dope strategy led to Foreman’s first defeat, a loss that devastated him.

After taking a break, he returned to boxing but suffered another defeat. In 1977, he retired and became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A decade later, he made an unexpected comeback to raise money for a youth center he founded in Texas. Against all odds, he won 24 consecutive matches before losing to Evander Holyfield in 1991.

Then, in 1994, Foreman shocked the world. At age 45, he knocked out the undefeated Michael Moorer, reclaiming the heavyweight title and becoming the oldest world champion in boxing history.

DON’T MISS THIS: 2Baba and Annie Idibia Announce Separation After 10 Years of Marriage

Beyond the Ring: Business Success and Legacy

Foreman fought his final match in 1997, retiring with a professional record of 76 wins and only 5 losses. Despite his boxing achievements, he became even more famous outside the ring.

In 1994, he launched the George Foreman Grill, which became a massive success. The product sold over 100 million units, earning him more money than his boxing career ever did.

Foreman’s influence extended beyond sports and business. Many respected him for his humility, discipline, and faith. Boxing analyst Gareth A. Davies described him as a gentle giant with an infectious laugh and a strong presence.

A Lasting Legacy

Foreman’s family announced his passing on Instagram, stating that he died peacefully on Friday night, surrounded by loved ones.

“He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather,” the statement read. “A humanitarian, Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion, he lived with faith, humility, and purpose.”

Foreman is survived by his five sons, all named George, as well as five biological daughters and two adopted daughters.

His remarkable journey from a troubled youth to a world champion and successful entrepreneur will continue to inspire generations.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Crypto ATM regulation Australia

Australia’s AUSTRAC Puts Crypto ATM Operators on Notice Over Money Laundering Risks

Australia’s financial crimes watchdog, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), has issued a ...

African startup funding

African Startups Cross $2 Billion in Funding as 2025 Brings a Cautious Outlook

African Startup Funding Surpasses $2 Billion Amid Changing Market Trends African startup funding reached a ...

Tecno Camon 40 Premier Unveiled: A Feature-Packed Mid-Ranger with Premium Design

Tecno Camon 40 Premier: A Stunning Mid-Range Contender The Tecno Camon 40 Premier has officially ...

EU response to US tariffs

Olaf Scholz Warns U.S. Against Trade Tariffs, Asserts EU’s Readiness to Retaliate

EU Response to US Tariffs: Olaf Scholz Warns Washington Against Trade War German Chancellor Olaf ...

Latest News

Today in History

April 1st is the day in 1973 that Project Tiger, a tiger conservation project, is launched in the Corbett National Park, India.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram390.977
GH Ghana Cedi15.5004
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,652.2
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,533.72
CF CFA Franc BEAC606.963
01 Apr · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 01 Apr 2025 06:05 UTC
Latest change: 01 Apr 2025 06:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?