George Foreman, the former two-time heavyweight champion of the world, has died at the age of 76, his family announced Friday night on Instagram.
“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,” the post read. “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.”
Foreman is survived by 12 children, including five sons, all named George, and seven daughters.
George Foreman career
Foreman grew up in Marshall, Texas, and first broke out as an amateur boxer at the 1968 Summer Olympics, where he won the gold medal. Foreman had 76 wins in his boxing career, 68 of which were by knockout, to just five losses.
Foreman’s two biggest wins came in 1973 and 1994, where he became the heavyweight champion of the world each time. In 1973, Foreman knocked out Joe Frazier in “The Sunshine Showdown,” when Frazier was the undisputed heavyweight champion and an undefeated 29-0 in his career.
He would go on to defend that title twice before falling to Muhammad Ali in “The Rumble in the Jungle,” which marked his first ever loss following a 40-0 start to his career.
Then, more than 20 years later and at the age of 38, Foreman defeated Michael Moorer for his second heavyweight title, when Moorer himself was an undefeated 35-0. That made Foreman the oldest boxer ever to hold the heavyweight title. His final fight came in 1997, a loss to Shannon Briggs.
Foreman also made an impact outside of the ring. In 1977,Β Foreman retired from boxing to become an ordained minister and began focusing on philanthropic efforts. He also would become an entrepreneur and was well-known for creating the “George Foreman Grill.”
George Foreman social media tributes
After the news broke of Foreman’s death, tributes flooded social media from peers and fans alike.
Condolences to George Foremanβs family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Xs5QjMukqr
β Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 22, 2025
Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ. ποΈ pic.twitter.com/7v5XBSZfTi
β Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) March 22, 2025
George Foreman has passed away. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/3P2Q8WzIcY
β Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) March 22, 2025
Rest In Peace, George Foreman
One of the greatest stories in sports, inspiring life.
β Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod πΈπ΄ (@big_business_) March 22, 2025
Rest In Peace to two-time heavyweight champion and 2003 IBHOF inductee, ‘Big’ George Foreman. One of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
pic.twitter.com/e5UruBR1G8β π²πππππππ π±πππππππ (@KOJournals) March 22, 2025
Witnessed the marvel that was George Foreman in person vs Evander Holyfield in Atlantic City in 1991. Was in total awe. Total disbelief. The athlete, the size, the power, never sat down between rounds. One of the greatest athletic events I have ever witnessed. Condolences to hisβ¦
β Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 22, 2025
