George Foreman, boxing icon and two-time heavyweight champion, dies at 76

HOUSTON, TEXAS: Two-time heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist George Foreman has died at 76, his family shared the news on Instagram on Friday, March 21.

He was known for his legendary rivalry with boxing legend Muhammad Ali, which culminated in the famous 'Rumble in the Jungle' title bout, according to CNN.

George Foreman dead at 76

George Foreman's family shared the news on Instagram and wrote, "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 added, "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."

It continued, "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."

The statement further mentioned, "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."

George Foreman's early life and career

George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, and grew up in Houston.

He told Esquire in 2006, "I grew up in the Fifth Ward of Houston — the Bloody Fifth, we called it. Every weekend someone got killed."

Foreman belonged to a poor family and had to drop out of high school at 15. He was then involved in petty crime, per People.

However, at 16, he signed up for the Job Corps, where he got his GED and learned carpentry and bricklaying, per the outlet. He also began training as a boxer during this time.

In 2000, he told Ringside Report, "I went into boxing at the age of 17 to lose weight and become a great street fighter. Next thing I know, I was fighting as a Golden Glover. It basically all happened as an accident."

Interestingly, In 1968, Foreman won a gold medal at the Mexico City Olympic Games at just 19.

He told the boxing radio show 'On the Ropes' in 2023, "This was my chance to represent my country. That was greater to me than even winning the boxing matches."

Foreman won all 13 fights in 1969 and all 12 fights in 1970. In 1974, Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in a historic fight called 'The Rumble in the Jungle'. It is believed to be the most-watched live television broadcast of all time.

Interestingly, Ali, who was an underdog at the time, defeated Foreman.

He told Vogue Man Arabia in 2019, "For years afterwards I would agonize, ‘How could this happen?’ That night I lost everything I ever was. It was the most devastating event in my life as an athlete. I was not even a man no more."

Internet pays tribute to boxing legend George Foreman

Several internet users, including some big names, paid tribute to George Foreman after he died at 76 on Friday, March 21.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson paid tribute as he took to X and wrote, "Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten."

Internet personality and boxer Jake Paul also chimed in and wrote on X, "Rest in Peace George Foreman and condolences to his entire family. He did great things inside and outside of the ring. Big George Forever Goated."

Similarly, MMA fighter Oban Elliott commented on the Instagram post by Foreman's family, "RIP George, Fly high legend. A true legend of life. Icon."

Boxer Alycia Baumgardner posted on X, "My deepest respects to George Foreman — a true warrior and legend. Rest easy, Champ."

A fan commented on Instagram, "RIP TO MY FAVE FIGHTER OF ALLTIME…im heartbroken so i can only imagine his family…i hope he knew how many people he inspired," while one commented, "Rest in love Champ. I Will always remember the first time you called me champ at 17 years old."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online