Foreman’s Family Confirms His Death
George Foreman, former world heavyweight boxing champion and successful entrepreneur, has died at 76. His family confirmed his passing in a statement on Instagram.
Foreman, known as “Big George,” became one of boxing’s most iconic figures. His powerful punches and remarkable comebacks defined his career. He remained a respected personality beyond the sport.
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A Dominant Force in Boxing
Foreman won his first world heavyweight title in 1973, defeating Joe Frazier. He knocked Frazier down six times in two rounds.
He defended the title twice before losing to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire. Ali knocked him out in the eighth round.
Foreman retired in 1977 but made a comeback a decade later. In 1994, at 45, he knocked out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion.
His professional boxing record stood at 76 wins and five losses. He secured 68 victories by knockout.
Figure 1: George Foreman’s boxing record stood at 76 wins and 5 losses
Olympic Gold Medal Winner
Foreman’s boxing career began with an Olympic gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Games. At just 19, he competed in only his 25th amateur bout when he won the heavyweight division.
After the victory, Foreman waved a small American flag, symbolising his pride in representing his country. The moment became a defining image of the Games.
Figure 2: Foreman waved a small American Flag after his Olympic Win in 1968
Foreman finished his amateur career with a record of 22 wins and four losses before turning professional in 1969.
Foreman’s Life Before Boxing
George Edward Foreman was born on 10 January 1949 in Marshall, Texas. He grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, an area known for poverty and crime.
Raised by a single mother, Foreman often got into trouble. By age 15, he had dropped out of school and was involved in street fights and robberies.
At 16, he joined the Job Corps, a government program designed to provide education and vocational training. It was there that he met Doc Broaddus, a boxing coach who saw potential in him.
Broaddus encouraged Foreman to channel his aggression into boxing. Foreman later credited the Job Corps with saving his life and giving him a purpose.
Rumble in the Jungle and Aftermath
The “Rumble in the Jungle” was one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. Foreman entered the bout as the reigning champion, with an undefeated record of 40-0.
Ali, who had been stripped of his title years earlier for refusing military service, was the underdog. Despite Foreman’s superior size and strength, Ali outlasted him and knocked him out.
Figure 3: George Foreman and Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle
The loss changed Foreman’s life. After a brief return to boxing, he retired in 1977. He later described experiencing a near-death experience in his dressing room after a fight, which led him to become a Christian minister.
Historic Comeback and Second Championship
A decade after retiring, Foreman made an unexpected return to boxing in 1987. Weighing 143 kilograms, he was dismissed by critics as too old and out of shape.
His initial goal was to raise money for a youth centre he had founded in Texas. However, he surprised many by winning 24 consecutive fights.
In 1991, he challenged Evander Holyfield for the heavyweight title but lost by decision. Three years later, he shocked the world by knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to reclaim the championship at age 45.
Foreman became the oldest fighter ever to win a heavyweight title. He fought three more years before retiring in 1997 at age 48.
Figure 4: Foreman became the oldest fighter ever to win a heavyweight title after knocking out Michael Moorer
Professional Boxing Record
Foreman ended his career with a record of 76 wins and five losses. He won 68 fights by knockout, making him one of the hardest-hitting boxers in history.
He remains one of the few fighters to win the world heavyweight championship twice, with a 20-year gap between his titles.
Entrepreneurial Success and the Foreman Grill
Foreman achieved financial success outside the ring. He became a pitchman for various products, most notably the George Foreman Grill.
Introduced in 1994, the grill became a household name. It was marketed as a “Lean Mean Grilling Machine” designed to reduce fat in cooked food.
By the late 1990s, over 100 million units had been sold worldwide. In 1999, Salton Inc. paid Foreman $137.5 million to use his name.
Foreman once stated that his enthusiasm for the product was genuine, which helped make it a commercial success.
Figure 5: The George Foreman Grill
Personal Life and Family
Foreman married five times. In 1985, he wed Mary Joan Martelly, and they remained together for the rest of his life.
He had 12 children, including five sons, all named George. He explained that he gave them the same name so they would always have a connection.
Foreman also adopted two daughters, expanding his large family.
He frequently spoke about his devotion to family and faith, emphasising the importance of staying grounded despite his success.
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Legacy in Boxing and Business
Foreman’s impact extended beyond boxing. He became a global figure in sports, business, and faith-based initiatives.
His success inspired athletes, entrepreneurs, and people seeking second chances. His ability to reinvent himself from a fighter to a businessman made him a role model.
His contributions to boxing, his work as a preacher, and his influence in the business world remain significant.
Foreman’s story continues to inspire those who believe in perseverance, transformation, and success through dedication.
