George Foreman, the formidable heavyweight who lost to Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle” prior to his inspirational second act as a 45-year-old champion and prosperous businessman, passed away on Friday night. His age was 76. Foreman’s family used social media to announce his passing.
“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 wrote.
“A humanitarian, an Olympian and a 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.”
Foreman, a native Texan, won an Olympic gold medal in boxing and became a fearsome figure when he rose to the top of the heavyweight class by defeating Joe Frazier in 1973.
Only a year later, Ali’s intimidating image vanished when he defeated Foreman in one of the most daring boxing victories ever in Zaire, mocking and baiting him into losing his title in one of the greatest bouts ever.
After a ten-year break and a self-proclaimed religious awakening, Foreman returned to the sport a few years later.
Then, in 1994, he achieved one of the most sensational knockouts in boxing history, using a single, flawless combination to defeat Michael Moorer, who was 19 years his junior, and win Moorer’s two heavyweight titles.
With just four more fights under his belt, Foreman had fully transformed into an inspirational figure. He then went on to pursue a career as a friendly businessman, pitchman, and sporadic actor.
His most well-known role was as the spokesperson for the George Foreman Grill, a basic cooking appliance that sold over 100 million units and brought him far more money than his sport ever could.
Foreman’s makeover into an inspirational figure was complete, and he only engaged in four more fights before embarking on his new career as a friendly pitchman, businessman, and sporadic actor.
His most famous role was as the spokesperson for the George Foreman Grill, a basic cooking appliance that sold over 100 million units and brought him far more money than his sport ever did.
Before taking the fight with Ali in the now-famous battle organised in Africa by promoter Don King, Foreman defended his title against Ken Norton.
The champion was irritated and agitated by Ali’s tactical mastery versus Foreman, which featured the “rope-a-dope” plan.
Ultimately, the bout was stopped in the eighth round after Foreman was knocked down for the first time in his career.
Disillusioned and exhausted, Foreman ceased fighting in 1977 and, following his religious experience, devoted the majority of the following ten years to preaching.
He started boxing again in 1987 when he was in his late 30s, and he won a long run of fights until losing a title match against Evander Holyfield in 1991.
Foreman and Moorer faced each other again in Las Vegas three years later. Foreman was unable to hit his slower blows, and Moorer seemed to win the first nine rounds quite easily.
However, Foreman came into his own in the tenth, injuring Moorer before sliding in the short right hand and sending Moorer sprawling to the ground.
In 1997, Foreman permanently left the ring, but he occasionally talked of making a comeback.
He made his living as a pitchman for the grills and a boxing pundit for HBO, which helped him become well-known and wealthy.
In 2023, a biographical film based on his life was released. Among Foreman’s twelve offspring were five sons, all of whom have the renowned name George Edward Foreman.
“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather and the best friend you could have,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman wrote on social media. “His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace.”