George Foreman, one of boxing’s most recognized champions, has died at the age of 76, his family announced on Friday through his official social media channels.
Foreman was a two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and global entrepreneur. He was best known for his power in the ring, his comeback at age 45, and his successful kitchen appliance business, the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide.
Key Highlights:
How Did George Foreman Die?
At the time of publication, the official cause of death has not been disclosed. His family confirmed the news of his passing but did not share further medical details. Fans and the boxing community are awaiting an official statement on the cause of death.
Boxing Career: From Olympic Gold to Heavyweight Champion
George Foreman rose to fame after winning a gold medal in boxing at the 1968 Olympics. He then went on to become a two-time heavyweight world champion, first winning the title in 1973 after knocking out Joe Frazier in just two rounds.
One of his most memorable fights came in 1974—The Rumble in the Jungle—against Muhammad Ali in Zaire. Foreman lost that historic match in the eighth round, a fight later chronicled in the Oscar-winning documentary When We Were Kings.
Retirement and Incredible Comeback
Foreman shocked the world by retiring at age 28 and becoming an ordained minister in Texas. But ten years later, at age 38, he made a surprising return to the boxing ring. Initially doubted by critics, Foreman proved his strength and resilience.
In 1994, at 45 years old, Foreman defeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history, a record that stood for two decades.
Life Beyond the Ring: Business, Broadcasting, and the George Foreman Grill
While continuing his boxing career, Foreman also stepped into broadcasting, working as a ringside analyst for HBO Boxing for 12 years.
But his biggest success outside of boxing came with the George Foreman Grill, launched in 1994. The product was a household name and sold over 100 million units worldwide. In 1999, Foreman sold the commercial rights for an estimated $138 million.
Tributes from the Boxing World
Top Rank Boxing called him “one of the biggest punchers and personalities the sport has ever seen.”
Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank, said:
“We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
Jim Lampley, his longtime HBO broadcast partner, said:
“He was a great fighter and an even greater human being. I feel blessed and privileged to have known him.”
A Legacy That Lives On
The Ring Magazine named Foreman one of the top 10 punchers in boxing history. In 2002, he was listed among the 25 greatest boxers of the last 80 years.
Foreman is survived by his large family, including his wife, several children, and grandchildren. Among them was his daughter Freeda Foreman, who also became a professional boxer before passing away in 2019.
George Foreman was more than just a boxer. He was a fighter, a preacher, a businessman, and a global icon. From the Olympic podium to the world stage, from the ring to millions of kitchens, his legacy will remain a symbol of strength, perseverance, and reinvention.
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