Former multi-time heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman, has passed away at the age of 76 his family announced.
“Our hearts are broken,” a statement from the Foreman family said on George’s Instagram page. “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.”
An Olympic gold medalist, 2x heavyweight champion, boxing hall of fame inductee, and serial entrepreneur, Foreman leaves behind a legacy that helped shape the sport of boxing for decades to come.
Best known for his 1974 bout vs. Muhammad Ali dubbed “the rumble in the jungle”, Foreman retired from the sport of boxing to become a minister, before launching one of the most improbably comebacks in sports history. More than a decade later, at 45 years, 299 days old, Foreman regained the heavyweight championship, becoming the oldest man to hold boxing’s top prize while also cementing him as the oldest champion ever, a record that stood for 20 years.
“George was a great friend to not only myself but to my entire family,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said. “We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
Former HBO boxing analyst Jim Lampley remarked “Tonight, I am flooded with tears after learning of the death of my dear friend and broadcast partner George Foreman. I loved him…He was a great fighter and a far, far greater human being. Every great thing that ever happened to him, and there were many extraordinary blessings, was richly deserved. My thoughts and prayers tonight are with his family and his friends and his congregation.”
A cause of death was not immediately known.
Photo: el grito. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.