Boxing Icon ‘Big’ George Foreman Passes Away at 76 Years Old [WATCH]

George Foreman, a heavyweight boxing icon and successful businessman, passed away on Friday night at the age of 76. The news was confirmed by Foreman’s family through an Instagram post, where they shared their deep sorrow.

“Our hearts are broken,” the family’s post read.

“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.”

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Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up as a tough and troubled youth.

JUST IN: Boxing legend George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76.

The announcement was made by his family.

“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… pic.twitter.com/WYqZb820RU

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 22, 2025

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At 16, he joined the Job Corps and later turned to boxing at the age of 17. His early days in the sport were marked by a raw, fearless approach, which would later serve him well in his professional career.

Foreman’s first significant moment in the boxing world came at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where at just 19 years old, he won the heavyweight gold medal by defeating Soviet boxer Jonas Cepulis.

Reflecting on the victory years later, Foreman admitted to feeling fear before the match, recalling the lack of experience he had in the amateur ranks leading up to the Olympics.

“When I look back at the fight, all I can remember was how afraid I was,” Foreman told the BBC in 2012.

“Chepulis was representing another ‘superpower’. I didn’t have the confidence that people thought I had.”

In 1969, Foreman transitioned to professional boxing, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the sport’s most intimidating figures.

Over the course of his career, Foreman amassed an impressive record of 76-5, with 68 of those victories coming by knockout.

In 1973, Foreman claimed his first heavyweight title by knocking out Joe Frazier in Jamaica, a historic victory that would set the stage for the “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, where he famously lost to Muhammad Ali in Zaire.

In the aftermath of his loss to Ali, Foreman took a break from boxing, stepping away from the sport for nearly a decade.

In 1977, after suffering a defeat to Jimmy Young, Foreman had what he later described as a near-death experience, leading him to reconsider his life and career.

Upon returning to Texas, he became an ordained minister and founded the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in 1984.

Foreman returned to boxing in 1987, and in 1994, at the age of 45, he shocked the sports world by regaining the heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer.

The victory came two decades after his first title loss to Ali, solidifying Foreman’s legacy in the sport.

“Anything you desire, you can make happen,” Foreman said after winning the title in 1994.

“It’s like the song, ‘When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.’ Well, look at me tonight.”

In 1997, Foreman retired from boxing for good and transitioned to a successful career as a businessman.

He became the face of the popular George Foreman Grill, a product that earned him millions.

Foreman also made appearances on various television shows, including a 1975 episode of “The Six Million Dollar Man” and a 2022 appearance on “The Masked Singer.”

In his personal life, Foreman had 12 children, five of whom were all named George, a decision he explained on his website: “I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common. I say to them, ‘If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together.’”

The news of Foreman’s passing has sparked tributes from many figures in the sports world.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson wrote on X, “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”

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

NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen also paid tribute, saying, “Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.”

Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ. ️ pic.twitter.com/7v5XBSZfTi

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) March 22, 2025

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman honored Foreman’s memory, stating, “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 George rest in peace.”

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

Actor William Shatner also shared his condolences: “Condolences to the family of George Foreman.”

Shatner versus Foreman #GeorgeForeman #BetterLateThanNeverNBC pic.twitter.com/LNvkT31T7k

— Charles A. Ratcliff Jr. (@Charlesrat74) March 22, 2025

In their statement, Foreman’s family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support: “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.”

George Foreman’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life that touched the worlds of sports, business, and philanthropy.

His legacy will live on as one of the most iconic figures in boxing history.

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