George Foreman, Boxing Legend, Dies at 76/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight boxing champion known for his punishing power and inspiring comeback, died Friday at 76. A gold medalist, preacher, and later a successful entrepreneur, Foreman remained a beloved figure decades after retirement. His family confirmed the news without revealing a cause of death.
George Foreman’s Legacy: Quick Looks
- Two-time heavyweight champion dies at age 76
- Won Olympic gold in 1968, heavyweight title in 1973
- Lost to Muhammad Ali in iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle”
- Returned in 1994 to reclaim the title at age 45
- Became a global icon through the George Foreman Grill
- Ended boxing career with a 76-5 record and 68 knockouts
- Remembered as preacher, father, entrepreneur, and media personality
- Leaves behind 12 children, including five sons named George
George Foreman, Boxing Legend, Dies at 76
Deep Look
George Foreman, the Heavyweight Titan Who Became a Cultural Icon, Dies at 76
George Foreman, the two-time world heavyweight champion whose life story transcended boxing to become a tale of personal transformation and triumph, has died at the age of 76, his family announced Friday. The cause and location of death were not disclosed.
From fearsome slugger to endearing pitchman, Foreman’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Rising to fame with a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics, he quickly became one of boxing’s most feared punchers. In 1973, he claimed the heavyweight title by destroying Joe Frazier in just two rounds—an astonishing upset that earned Howard Cosell’s immortal call: “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!”
Just one year later, Foreman’s aura of invincibility evaporated when he lost to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire. Ali’s rope-a-dope tactics wore Foreman down before knocking him out in the eighth round—his first career loss.
Trump Reacts to Foreman’s Death
A sports fanatic himself, President Donald Trump remembered the legendary boxer in a Truth Social post early Saturday morning.
“George Foreman is dead. What a GREAT FIGHTER!!!” Trump wrote. “He had, without question, the heaviest and biggest punch in the history of boxing. With the exception of [Muhammad] Ali, when you got hit, you went down. He was something really Special, but above all, he was a Great Person, with a personality that was bigger than life. I knew him well, and he will be missed. Warmest condolences to his wonderful family!!!”
From Defeat to Redemption
That defeat haunted Foreman and led to his temporary retirement in 1977 after a spiritual awakening. For a decade, he worked as a preacher and youth mentor in Houston. But in 1987, Foreman made a shocking return to the ring, vowing to reclaim the heavyweight title—not just for glory, but to support his family and his ministry.
His return was initially seen as a gimmick. Yet he kept winning. And in 1994, at age 45, Foreman shocked the world once more by knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight crown. It made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history and cemented his legacy as one of boxing’s most enduring figures.
Foreman ended his career in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins, 5 losses, and 68 knockouts.
“His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” said former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
More Than a Fighter
Foreman’s second act proved just as impactful. In 1994, the same year he reclaimed the belt, he introduced the George Foreman Grill—a simple kitchen appliance that would become one of the most successful celebrity-endorsed products ever, selling over 100 million units. The grill made him a fortune far beyond what he earned in the ring.
“He was a genius,” said legendary boxing broadcaster Jim Lampley. “People saw the smile and thought he was just a big clown, but he was a brilliant businessman.”
Foreman also became a beloved television personality, known for his humor, warmth, and faith. He starred in a short-lived sitcom, George, made guest appearances on TV shows, and competed on The Masked Singer in 2022. In 2023, his life story was brought to the big screen in the biopic Big George Foreman.
From Tough Streets to Global Fame
Born in Houston’s tough Fifth Ward, Foreman had a troubled youth, dabbling in petty crime before discovering boxing. He rose quickly through the amateur ranks and earned Olympic gold in Mexico City at age 19.
Though his early professional career was marked by dominance, he was often viewed as surly or unapproachable—a stark contrast to his later media persona. His early demeanor, Lampley said, was shaped by efforts to model him after former heavyweight champion Sonny Liston.
But after his spiritual transformation, Foreman emerged with a trademark grin and an open heart—qualities that won him admiration far beyond the boxing world.
A Devoted Family Man
Foreman was a deeply spiritual man and a family patriarch. He had 12 children, famously naming all five of his sons George Edward Foreman.
“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grand- and great-grandfather,” his family said in a statement. “He was a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman echoed that sentiment, calling Foreman
“a legendary champion, life-changing preacher, and the best friend you could have.”
Final Rounds
Despite leaving the ring for good in 1997, Foreman’s influence never faded. As an HBO boxing analyst, a motivational speaker, and a symbol of second chances, he continued to inspire.
His life reflected a rare arc—from feared fighter to spiritual teacher, from comeback king to commercial icon.
“He started off as a destroyer, and he left us as a healer,” said Top Rank President Bob Arum. “We’ve lost a family member.”
George Foreman redefined what it means to be a champion—not just by winning titles, but by uplifting others with strength, grace, and an enduring smile.
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