Boxing legend George Foreman, considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and a pop culture icon, has died aged 76.
Foreman became a household name for his exploits in the ring, where he won Olympic gold in 1968 aged 19, and the world title twice, the last of which came in 1994 aged 45. Foreman’s iconic fights include Rumble in the Jungle against Muhammad Ali in 1974. He ended his boxing career with an incredible 76 wins and 68 knockouts, losing just five bouts.
After retiring from boxing in 1997, Foreman went on to become a pop culture and TV legend with his grills. A regular face on television ads, Foreman made millions from his ‘George Foreman Grill’ range and tagline “Lean Mean Grilling Machine.”
In a post on Instagram, his family paid tribute: “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.”
Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Xs5QjMukqr
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 22, 2025
NBA star Charles Barkley told CBS Sports Foreman’s death “hurts a lot.” “He was obviously one of the greatest boxers ever, but just a gentle man, he was a pastor — and it just hurts man, plain and simple”, he said. “My condolences to his family. I’m shook up right now, that caught me so off guard.”
Charles Barkley reflects on his relationship with the late George Foreman pic.twitter.com/Bm7HeaRLld
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2025
Magic Johnson said of Foreman: “I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man. After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman — I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time.”
Sad news for me and the boxing world… The last boxing pillar for an unforgettable era has passed away today… May his soul rest in peace, Big George Foreman! 💔🥊 pic.twitter.com/cufeiEVyom
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) March 22, 2025
Foreman married five times and has a dozen children, including five sons who are all named George.
“I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common,” Foreman wrote on his website. “I say to them, ‘If one of us goes up, then we all go up together. And if one goes down, we all go down together!’ “
He also famously said: “I tell people, ‘If you’re going to get hit as many times as I’ve been hit by Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield, you’re not going to remember many names.’ “
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
