George Foreman, the two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist best known for his iconic showdown with Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle,” has died at the age of 76. The champion later gained fame as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold millions of units.
His family announced the news on his official Instagram account on Friday, March 21.
George Foreman was a legendary American boxer, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and ordained minister, best known for his powerful presence both in and out of the boxing ring. Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in Houston’s tough Fifth Ward. As a troubled youth, he found direction through the Job Corps, where he was introduced to boxing—a sport that would change his life.
Foreman’s rise in the boxing was rapid and remarkable. He won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, a moment that put him on the world stage. Just a few years later, in 1973, he shocked the world by defeating Joe Frazier in a stunning second-round knockout to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Known for his raw power and intimidating style, Foreman was one of the most feared fighters of his era.
In 1974, he lost his title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, one of the most famous boxing matches in history. After suffering a few more losses, Foreman retired in 1977 and experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He became a born-again Christian and was ordained as a minister, dedicating himself to preaching and youth outreach programs.
Astonishingly, Foreman returned to boxing a decade later at the age of 38. Despite being considered too old, he steadily climbed the ranks and, in 1994 at age 45, he reclaimed the heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer. This made him the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history—a record he still holds.
Beyond the ring, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur. He became the face of the George Foreman Grill, a countertop cooking device that sold over 100 million units worldwide. His easy going personality and inspirational story helped make the grill—and Foreman himself—a household name. He later authored several books and remained a respected public figure.
Foreman was also a devoted family man with ten children, including five sons all named George. In his later years, he focused on his ministry, business ventures, and philanthropy. His life journey—from troubled youth to Olympic champion, from preacher to businessman—has made him a symbol of resilience and reinvention. George Foreman’s legacy lives on as one of the greatest comeback stories in sports history.
