Heartbroken: George Foreman, who won Olympic gold before becoming one of the most dominant heavyweight champions in history, has died at the age of 76…Read More

The boxing world is mourning the loss of heavyweight icon George Foreman, who passed away at 76.

The family of Foreman shared a heartfelt message on social media: “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. 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.”

Foreman’s illustrious career began with a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics, followed by turning professional in 1969. He claimed the heavyweight title in a historic second-round knockout against the previously undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973,

Foreman defended his heavyweight title twice before experiencing his first professional defeat to Muhammad Ali in the legendary 1974 Rumble in the Jungle. This match is regarded as one of the most memorable in history, featuring two of the greatest fighters in a thrilling bout that ended with Ali’s knockout victory in the eighth round.

After failing to secure another world title shot, Foreman was defeated by Jimmy Young in 1977 and subsequently retired. However, he made a sensational return to the ring a decade later. At the age of 45, he beat Michael Moorer, who was 19 years younger, to win the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles.

Foreman eventually relinquished the WBA belt when he declined a mandatory title defense. After defending his IBF title against Alex Schulz, he also gave up this belt. At the age of 46 years and 169 days, Foreman became the oldest world heavyweight champion in history.

To this day, Foreman holds the record for being the oldest fighter to ever win the world heavyweight title and the second-oldest in any weight class, trailing only Bernard Hopkins in the light heavyweight division. At the age of 48, with a record of 76 wins – 68 by knockout – and five losses, Foreman decided to retire from his remarkable career in 1997.