Legendary Boxer George Foreman Passes Away at 76

George Foreman, the two-time world heavyweight champion known for his transition from a dominant knockout artist to a respected icon in boxing, has died at 76. Over his remarkable career, he achieved an impressive record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and 5 losses.

Renowned for his immense punching power, Foreman gained fame for his legendary 1974 bout against Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle, where he suffered his first professional defeat. Before that, Foreman captured his first heavyweight title in 1973 by defeating Joe Frazier in a stunning second-round knockout, knocking Frazier down six times. He successfully defended the belt twice before losing it to Ali the following year.

Years later, Foreman made an extraordinary comeback, returning to the ring after a decade-long retirement. In 1994, at the age of 45, he shocked the world by reclaiming the heavyweight championship after defeating Michael Moorer via knockout, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

Beyond boxing, Foreman became a global sensation as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units and secured his status as one of the wealthiest former athletes.

Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in Houston’s challenging Fifth Ward. As a troubled youth, he dropped out of school at 15 and engaged in petty crime before turning his life around by joining the Job Corps, where he discovered boxing.

Turning professional in 1969, Foreman quickly established himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. His breakthrough came in 1973 when he faced undefeated champion Joe Frazier, shocking the world with his devastating knockout victory. This victory gave rise to the famous commentary: “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” by Howard Cosell.

Foreman successfully defended his title before meeting Ali in the historic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974. Expected to overpower his opponent, he instead fell to Ali’s strategic rope-a-dope tactic, which allowed Ali to absorb his early attacks and counter in the later rounds, ultimately knocking him out in the eighth round.

This loss was a defining moment in boxing history, showcasing Ali’s intelligence and resilience. The defeat deeply impacted Foreman, forcing him to reevaluate his beliefs and career. However, his later return to boxing and his business success cemented his legacy as one of the most influential and inspiring figures in sports.

​George Foreman, the legendary two-time heavyweight boxing champion, passed away at the age of 76. According to his family's statement, he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. While his family confirmed his passing, they did not disclose the official cause of death. The New York Times reported that Foreman died in a Houston, Texas hospital, but no further details about the cause were provided.