The two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist has passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of sports and beyond.
George Foreman, a two-time world heavyweight champion and one of the most legendary figures in boxing history, has died at the age of 76. He was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, and began his professional boxing journey in 1969, achieving an impressive record of 76 wins out of 81 bouts, with 68 of those victories coming by knockout.
Foreman clinched his first world heavyweight title in 1973 and made history as the oldest heavyweight champion ever when he secured his second title at the age of 45. His most famous match occurred in 1974 against Muhammad Ali, known as 'The Rumble in the Jungle,' held in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).
While Ali emerged victorious in that contest, it solidified Foreman's legacy as a boxing icon.
Beyond his remarkable accomplishments in the ring, Foreman also thrived as an entrepreneur and minister. He introduced the 'George Foreman Grill' in 1994, which has sold over 100 million units globally, and was ordained as a minister in 1980. A biographical movie detailing his life, titled 'Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World,' premiered in 2023. Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Martelly, as well as 12 children and grandchildren.
His family referred to him as 'a force for good' and a man of 'strong character and principles.'