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The family of boxing star George Foreman said Friday that he has passed away at the age of 76.
Two-time heavyweight champion “Big George” took part in some of the most significant boxing matches ever.
Foreman made his debut in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where he took home a gold medal.
George became a professional shortly after the Games. Foreman won his first championship as a professional fighter in 1973, defeating then-unbeaten heavyweight champion Joe Frazier.
In one of the most iconic boxing battles ever, known as “The Rumble In The Jungle,” George, then 25 years old and undefeated, met Muhammad Ali in Zaire in 1974 after successfully defending the title twice.
Ali surprised Foreman by TKOing him in the eighth round.
The guys would become close over the years. George informed us when Ali passed away in 2016 that “I lost my best friend.”
Shortly after hanging up his gloves, Foreman retired in 1977 and was ordained as a priest. George spoke in a church in the Houston region and devoted his life to God.
In 1988, at the age of almost forty, George declared his return to the sport after a ten-year break.
In 1994, Foreman defeated 26-year-old Michael Moorer to reclaim his title as heavyweight champion, despite the fact that he no longer had the devastating power punches of his former career.
With the victory, GF became the oldest heavyweight champion in the sport’s history. One of the greatest achievements in sports history is still the comeback.
One of the greatest fighters to ever step foot in a ring, Foreman retired for good in 1997 after recording a record of 76-5 (68 KOs).
“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.” His family emphasized his personal achievements outside of the ring, in addition to his fame as a boxer.
“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.”
His family went on… “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.”
As the face of the renowned George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, one of the most commercially successful items in decades, Big George was also one of the most well-known pugilists of all time.
In 2003, Foreman received his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
