A legend remembered: Tributes flow for boxing great George Foreman

George Foreman, two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, has sadly passed away at the age of 76, leaving the boxing world without one of its most celebrated champions.

Foreman’s family took to social media to announce the devastating news, sharing that he passed away on Friday, March 21, surrounded by his loved ones.

“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,” they wrote.

“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.”

 

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A post shared by George Foreman (@biggeorgeforeman)

Born January 10, 1949, Foreman found boxing as a way to rise above the hardships of a difficult childhood.

At just 19 years old, Foreman secured the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, cementing his place as one of boxing’s brightest rising stars.

Turning professional, Foreman went on an incredible 37-match winning streak, setting up a monumental showdown with reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica. In a dominant performance, Foreman defeated Frazier by technical knockout in the second round to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

Foreman successfully defended his title two more times before facing Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), in what would become one of the most iconic fights in boxing history.

Ali had been stripped of his title seven years earlier for refusing military service during the Vietnam War, and he entered the fight as a heavy underdog against the larger, younger Foreman.

For seven rounds, Ali lay against the ropes, absorbing Foreman’s powerful punches, before tiring and knocking him out in the eighth round.

“I was one strong heavyweight punching fighter,” Foreman told Reuters in 2007.

“I was one punching machine, and that was the first time I delivered everything I had and nothing worked.”

The defeat left Foreman devastated, leading him to take a year off from boxing. After returning to the ring, he suffered a second professional loss, retiring in 1977 to become an ordained minister with the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A decade later, Foreman made an unexpected comeback, motivated by his desire to raise funds for a youth centre he had founded in Texas. Over the next few years, he went on to win 24 consecutive matches, before losing a 12-round decision to Evander Holyfield in 1991.

Foreman’s greatest triumph came three years later when, at the age of 45, he made history by knocking out the undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.

In the years following his retirement, Foreman found success beyond the boxing ring, becoming a beloved spokesperson for a range of products, most famously the George Foreman Grill.

The boxing world and beyond have been quick to honour Foreman’s incredible legacy. Tributes have flooded in from fans, friends, and fellow athletes, all acknowledging the profound impact he had both in and out of the ring.

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

I’m totally heartbroken with news of my dear friend of more than 35 years George Foreman passing away.
I’m finding it difficult to deal with.
I’ll collect my thoughts and have more to say soon about a man that I (and so many others) loved and respected💔 pic.twitter.com/MYjFrrTCmk

— Michael Buffer (@Michael_Buffer) March 22, 2025

Rest in Peace to the LEGENDARY George Foreman who passed away at 76. More than just a boxing World HeavyweightChamp, Olympic Gold Medalist and George Foreman Grill maker. He was a Man of God, a Preacher and the embodiment of Power. Prayers up for Big George and his family 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ygvh1ulhFm

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 22, 2025

RIP George Forman.
As a kid I asked my dad why it was such a big deal that Ali beat that nice man from the commercials. He told me “They thought Foreman was gonna kill him. They were scared for his life. Then he showed me the Foreman Joe Frazier fight for context lol. OH MY GOD. pic.twitter.com/lVOcbBBZUt

— Craig (@_itsalwayscraig) March 22, 2025

Heartbroken to hear about my guy @GeorgeForeman . Loved this guy. Had the pleasure of traveling, talking, crying , arguing, eating and hanging with this guy all over the globe on a project called “Better Late Than Never”. Gonna miss you champ. pic.twitter.com/VDTyzm78tT

— Jeff Dye (@JeffDye) March 22, 2025

Rest in peace to a true legend, George Foreman. Two-time heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. Came back at 45 to reclaim the title and became an icon outside the ring with his business success. A fighter in every sense.

— Manic Doge (@Manic_Doge) March 22, 2025

This is a shocking news for all boxing lovers throughout the world. I offer my sincere condolences on his demise to his family members, friends and fans. He was not only a Great boxer but 100 times better human being. RIP George Forman.

— 𝓢𝓪𝓷𝓳𝓪𝔂 (@sanjayvatts) March 22, 2025

Foreman is survived by his wife Mary Joan Martelly, five sons – all named George – five biological daughters, and two adopted daughters.

-with Reuters.