George Foreman, Boxing Legend, Entrepreneur, and Icon of Resilience dies aged 76

George Foreman, the legendary heavyweight boxer and entrepreneur, passed away on March 21, 2025, at age 76, his family announced on Instagram.

Foreman first gained fame as a formidable puncher, winning Olympic gold in 1968 before becoming heavyweight champion in 1973 by defeating Joe Frazier. However, he lost the title to Muhammad Ali in the historic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle.”

Following his retirement in 1977, Foreman became an ordained minister, only to stage an extraordinary comeback a decade later. In 1994, at age 45, he reclaimed the heavyweight title by knocking out Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest champion in the division’s history.

Born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, Foreman grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Struggling with poverty, he dropped out of junior high and engaged in street crime before the Job Corps steered him toward boxing.

After retiring from the ring in 1997 with a record of 76 wins and five losses, Foreman became a household name as a pitchman, most notably for the George Foreman Grill. In 1999, he and his partners sold the rights to his name for US$137.5 million.

“What I do is fall in love with every product I sell,” Foreman wrote in his autobiography, By George. “That’s what sells. Just like with preaching.”

Foreman was married five times, finding lasting companionship with Mary Joan Martelly. He had five sons – each named George – along with seven daughters, including two adopted.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire praised Foreman’s legacy, calling him an inspiration. His story of resilience, reinvention, and success continues to inspire generations.