Harkening back to the glory days of heavyweight boxing, one of the greatest legends of the ring was lost on Friday, March 21, 2025. George Foreman passed away in his hometown of Houston, Texas, at 76. A larger-than-life personality, he was nicknamed “Big George”. He became a two-time heavyweight boxing champion, an Olympic gold medalist in the 1968 Summer Olympics, a successful businessman, and a minister.

Growing up in poverty on the streets of Houston, Foreman used boxing to rise from his troubled beginnings. He was known in the ring for his brute strength in knocking opponents out. Going 40-0 to start his career, he knocked out 92.5% of his opponents for the largest KO margin in the sport’s history. He retired in 1977 after losing his title but would make a remarkable comeback, winning his title back 20 years later.

Of his most notable fights before his first retirement, an undefeated Foreman (37-0)  would win his first heavyweight title against an undefeated Joe Frazier (25-0). Frazier had just beaten an undefeated Muhammad Ali before losing to Foreman in two rounds. The infamous “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” was legendary announcer Howard Cosell’s call when Foreman floored Frazier six times.

That set up one of the greatest fights ever, with Foreman going against Ali in Zaire, Africa, in the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Ali would win the heavyweight title back, handing Foreman his first loss. After never being given a rematch by Ali, Foreman would eventually retire in 1977. It was then that Foreman turned to ministry before losing his boxing fortune. And, at 37 years old, an out-of-shape Foreman made an unlikely return to the ring.

After numerous fights, Foreman worked his way back to a title fight, a rematch against Michael Moorer, whom he had previously lost to. In an epic battle, wearing the same red shorts he lost to Ali, Foreman knocked out Moorer for his second heavyweight championship belt, completing one of the most unlikely comebacks in sports history.

Foreman would amass a fortune as a pitchman and promoter of the George Foreman Grill,  which sold over 100 million units. He would sell the rights for an additional $130 million. He continued preaching in Houston, conducting three services a week. “It doesn’t matter what you achieve, what you accomplish in this life...The most important thing is to keep your eye on the true prize, and that’s serving God,” Foreman once said.

No immediate cause of death was given for Foreman’s passing. The family released a statement on Instagram. “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. 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 a two-time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline and conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers. We ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”

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