George Foreman, one of boxing’s greatest legends, has passed away at 76. His family announced the news on March 21, 2025, saying he left peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Known for his powerhouse punches and a comeback that stunned the world, Foreman’s story goes beyond the ring. From Olympic gold to two heavyweight titles and a famous grill, he touched millions of lives.
A Quiet Goodbye
Foreman’s family shared the sad news on Instagram late Friday.
“Our hearts are broken,” they wrote. “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 two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, 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, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
They called him a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who lived with faith and purpose. No cause of death was given. They asked for privacy as they remember a man who meant so much to them.
Gold at the Start
Foreman’s big story began in 1968. At 19, he won a gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics. He knocked out Soviet fighter Jonas Cepulis in the second round, showing off his raw power early. Born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, he grew up tough in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Boxing turned his life around after a rough youth. That gold medal kicked off a career that would make history.
Knocking Out the Champs
In 1973, Foreman shocked the world. He faced undefeated heavyweight champ Joe Frazier in Jamaica and took the title with a second-round TKO. He floored Frazier six times, earning the WBA and WBC belts. At 24, he was unstoppable, defending his crown twice more. Then came 1974’s Rumble in the Jungle against Muhammad Ali in Zaire. Ali won by knockout in the eighth round, ending Foreman’s perfect 40-0 streak. The two later became close friends until Ali’s death in 2016.
Foreman quit boxing in 1977 after losing to Jimmy Young. He found faith and became a preacher, stepping away for a decade. But in 1987, at 38, he returned. He piled up wins, then faced Evander Holyfield in 1991 and lost by decision. Three years later, at 45, he did the impossible. He knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 to reclaim the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest champ ever. Foreman retired for good in 1997 with a 76-5 record, 68 by knockout.
Foreman wasn’t just a boxer. He became a minister, helping kids through youth programs in Houston. He also turned into a TV star with the George Foreman Grill, launched in 1994. It sold over 100 million units, making him a household name beyond sports. Married five times, he had 12 kids, naming all five sons George to keep them connected. His life mixed grit, faith, and a knack for business.
Fight World Pays Respect
The combat sports world spoke up fast. Top Rank’s Bob Arum called Foreman a family member, saying they’re crushed by his loss. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman wrote online, “Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand and great-grandfather and the best friend you could have.”
Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life
The great George Foreman has passed away
Legendary boxing champion, life changing preacher, Husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have.
His memory is now eternal , may Big…— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) March 22, 2025
Posts on X echoed that, with many calling him a true icon. His mark on boxing and beyond runs deep.
Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Xs5QjMukqr
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 22, 2025
Rest in Peace George Foreman and condolences to his entire family. He did great things inside and outside of the ring. Big George Forever Goated
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 22, 2025
RIP George Foreman absolute legend 🥊
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) March 22, 2025
Very few times have I felt like I was meeting a cultural icon.
When @GeorgeForeman walked into the room he electrified it.
I can imagine him in Heaven doing the same thing ❤️ 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/HXFUBnDBCz
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) March 22, 2025
Sad news for me and the boxing world… The last boxing pillar for an unforgettable era has passed away today… May his soul rest in peace, Big George Foreman! 💔🥊 pic.twitter.com/cufeiEVyom
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) March 22, 2025
He was a Special fighter & a Special person, put here for a Special reason. To teach us anything was possible, if u believed it was. 🙏❤️👑 pic.twitter.com/sD8zZbQVlx
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) March 22, 2025
Foreman’s path wasn’t straight. From a troubled kid to Olympic champ, then two-time heavyweight king, he kept going. His 1994 comeback showed age didn’t stop him. The grill made him a fortune. He earned $138 million when he sold the rights in 1999. Through it all, he stayed humble and real. At 76, George Foreman leaves a legacy of power, heart, and a smile that lit up rooms.
