LEGENDARY boxer George Foreman has died aged 76, his family have said.
The sporting icon, a two-time heavyweight world champion, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday.
George Foreman died on Friday, his family sayRex
AlamyMuhammad Ali and Foreman during the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974[/caption]
GettyForeman posing in a boxing stance during his heyday[/caption]
Foreman’s fight with Muhammad Ali at the Rumble in the Jungle is one of the most iconic bouts in the history of the sport.
He later become the face and name of the George Foreman Grill, a business that earned him hundreds of millions of dollars after his retirement from sport.
A statement from George’s family on his Instagram said: “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.”
Mike Tyson led tributes following news of his death, sharing two photos of himself alongside Foreman.
Tyson wrote: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Basketball legend Scottie Pippen said: “Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.”
Foreman is in the boxing Hall of Fame and one of the most dangerous punchers to ever walk on Earth.
Big George enjoyed a decorated career that saw him become heavyweight champion of the world twice in a career that spanned 30 years.
He also remains the oldest ever heavyweight champion of all time.
Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer in November 1994 to win the WBA and IBF belts aged 45 and 299 days.
It came came 20 years after he had last been heavyweight champ in 1974.
Foreman was one of the biggest punchers to ever lace up gloves and suffered just five losses in his 81-fight career.
One of those few defeats was to Muhammad Ali, considered by many the greatest of all time, at the Rumble in the Jungle.
Foreman, 25 years old at the time, came in as clear favourite with a 100 per cent record boasting 40 wins and 37 KOs.
The two met in front of a 60,000-strong crowd in Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, before Ali used a new “rope-a-dope” tactic, to earn an incredible eighth-round knockout..
An estimated one BILLION viewers watching from home.
After the fight, Ali – who died in 2016 aged 74 – and Foreman put their differences aside and became the firmest of friends.
Foreman’s final fight came in November 1997 – aged 48 years and 316 days – against then rising star Shannon Briggs.
But he lost a controversial middle decision with many onlookers believing he had won the fight.
Foreman would retire soon after – and later become the face and name of the George Foreman Grill, which earned him hundreds of millions of dollars.
GettyForeman landing a punch on his way to becoming the oldest heavyweight champion of all time against Michael Moorer during a bout in Las Vegas, Nevada[/caption]
GettyForeman training with a punching bag in New York in 1972[/caption]
AFPForeman showing off his muscles during a press conference at a Tokyo hotel on October 27, 1996[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
