By Kolawole Ojebisi
One of the boxing legends whose careers defined the twentieth century’s history of the contact sport, George Foreman, has died at the age of 76.
According to his family, Foreman died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at a hospital in Houston on Friday night.
The cause of death of the American legendary pugilist has not been disclosed.
In a statement shared on social media, the family praised Foreman’s legacy and requested privacy as they mourn the former Olympic gold medalist who later became an ordained preacher and founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman’s early life was marked by adversity. Raised by a single mother alongside six siblings, he dropped out of school and drifted into a life of street robberies, but fate had other plans.
Foreman soon discovered his true calling in the boxing ring and had an illustrious career, becoming a two-time heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist in 1968.
Foreman, reputed for his hard punch, defeated fellow iconic American boxer on two different occasions with each turning out to be a facile victory.
He’s most famous for his epic fight against Muhammad Ali in 1974, which took place in Kinshasa, Zaire.
The Foreman/Ali fight known as the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ was predicted to be a shoo-in for Foreman who was in the flush of youth and seven-years younger than his contender.
However, against the run of play, Foreman lost the fight.
The loss, however, did not dim his glorious records, as Foreman went on to have a remarkable career, winning 76 of his 81 fights, with 68 of those wins coming by knockout.
He became the world’s oldest heavyweight champion at 45 having defeated Michael Moore.
The legendary boxer retired from the sport in 1997.
Foreman was married five times and is survived by 12 children.
