George Foreman: 1949-2025 | BoxingInsider.com Promotions

By: Sean Crose

One of many biggest heavyweights of all time has handed away. George Foreman, who turned as well-known for his grills as he was for his gorgeous second profession in boxing, was one in every of a form. “Our hearts are damaged,” Foreman’s property mentioned in a social media assertion Friday evening. “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by family members. A religious preacher, a loyal husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and nice grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering religion, humility, and objective.”

Its not hyperbole to say Foreman led a unprecedented life, going from heel to one in every of America’s most believed popular culture figures, and leaving an indelible mark on the game of boxing. “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world,” the assertion continued, “He was deeply revered – a power for good, a person of self-discipline, conviction, and as a protector of his legacy, preventing tirelessly to protect his good identify – for his household.”

After successful a gold medal on the 1968 Olympics, Foreman went on to turn into some of the ferocious punchers within the heavyweight division. By 1973, the Houston native was able to turn into heavyweight champion, a feat he completed by repeatedly dropping defending champion Joe Frazier a stunning six occasions in two rounds earlier than the battle was stopped. Lower than three years later, nonetheless, issues turned for the more severe for Foreman, for former world champion Muhammad Ali surprised the world by knocking Foreman out and taking his crown in Zaire.

Surprisingly, although, Foreman would win again the heavyweight championship – a full twenty years after he misplaced it to Ali. Foreman’s comeback probably started when he had a profound non secular expertise, one which completely altered his life. Turning into an ordained minister, Foreman returned to boxing in 1987 as a way to earn cash for his parish. It was seen by many as a joke on the time. Foreman was, by that time, fats and bald, wanting far totally different from the intimidating big he was once. Foreman acquired the final snigger, nonetheless, when, in 1994, he knocked out defending IBF and WBA heavyweight titlist Michael Moore a full 20 years after dropping his championship to Ali.

Foreman continued to battle till 1997. By that point, although, he was seen extra as a ubiquitous celeb and grill spokesman than he was a fighter. Certainly, the cash earned from George Foreman Grills reportedly made him probably the most rich athlete on the planet – even surpassing NBA and sneaker king Michael Jordan. Together with his passing, George Foremen left the world of boxing with a stunning, optimistic narrative that can by no means be repeated. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of affection prayers, and kindly ask for privateness as we honor the extraordinary lifetime of a person we have been blessed to name our personal,” Foreman’s property concluded.

Relaxation in Peace, Huge George.