FORMER world heavyweight champion George Foreman has passed away at 76, leaving behind a legacy as towering as his presence in and out of the ring. “Big George,” one of boxing’s most destructive punchers and beloved personalities, died peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement on his official Instagram posted Friday night.
The family’s tribute read: “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
“A humanitarian, an Olympian and two time heavyweight champion, he was deeply respected – a force for good a man of discipline, and a protector of his legacy. We are grateful for the love and prayers and ask for privacy as we honour this extraordinary man we were blessed to call our own.”
Foreman’s path to greatness began with winning a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics aged just 19 and in his 25th amateur fight. His crowning moment came in 1973, when he demolished Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, to claim the WBA and WBC heavyweight titles at 24.
‘Smokin’ Joe, who’d beaten Muhammad Ali in 1971, was stopped in two rounds, having been dropped six times by Foreman’s thunderbolt fists. Sports Illustrated’s Mark Kram wrote, “Foreman fought with the cold efficiency of a wrecking ball—he didn’t just beat Frazier, he erased him.”
His first title defence was a mismatch. In Tokyo, Jose Roman lasted mere minutes, knocked out in round one. In Caracas, Ken Norton—a man who’d broken Ali’s jaw—fared little better, crumbling in round two after three knockdowns. Foreman and his power seemed unstoppable.
Then, on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire came “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Favoured to crush Muhammad Ali, Foreman faced a masterclass in unpredictability. Ali’s rope-a-dope tactics drained him, and a round eight knockout shattered his invincible aura.
Haunted by the loss, Foreman retired in 1977 after a defeat to Jimmy Young, finding solace as a born-again Christian and minister. “Boxing was my job,” he’d say, “but preaching is my calling.”
The brooding titan of the ‘70s gave way to a smiling, affable man who returned to boxing in 1987 at 38. Sceptics scoffed, but after beating Steve Zouski, Foreman declared, “I’m not here to play around—I want to be champion again.”
Losses followed—to Evander Holyfield in 1991 (a valiant 12-round effort, staggering Holyfield in round seven) and Tommy Morrison in 1993 (outboxed for the WBO title)—but Foreman persisted. His pinnacle arrived on November 5, 1994, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Facing WBA and IBF champion Michael Moorer, 26, in “One for the Ages.” Foreman absorbed early punishment and was urged by trainer Angelo Dundee to stay patient. The veteran rocked Moorer with a right in round six.
Then, in round 10, a short, perfect right hand dropped Moorer flat. Referee Joe Cortez counted to 10 as Moorer faltered, and at 45 years and 299 days, Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion ever—eclipsing Jersey Joe Walcott’s 1951 record at 37. That mark still stands.
Beyond the ring, Foreman’s George Foreman Grill made him a household name, earning him millions. A giant in spirit and stature, he inspired many with his faith, resilience, and charm. He leaves a legacy as big as his fists and heart.
Everyone at Boxing News extends heartfelt condolences to the Foreman family, friends, and fans worldwide.
