George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight champion and boxing icon passed away at the age of 76. Known for his ferocious power inside the ring and his larger-than-life persona outside of it, Foreman leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond sports—spanning faith, mentorship, business, and broadcasting.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement on Instagram, remembering him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand- and great-grandfather”.
One of the most defining moments of Foreman’s career came in 1974 when he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
At the time, Foreman was an undefeated champion, boasting a formidable record of 40-0 with 37 knockouts. Having destroyed top contenders like Joe Frazier and Ken Norton—both of whom had beaten Ali—Foreman was the overwhelming favourite.
However, Ali defied expectations. Using his now-famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, Ali absorbed Foreman’s heavy blows, allowing the younger fighter to exhaust himself. By the eighth round, Ali capitalised on Foreman’s fatigue, delivering a flurry of punches that sent him to the canvas. The fight was over. Ali had reclaimed the heavyweight crown, cementing his status as “The Greatest”.
Foreman later admitted the loss was devastating. “Everybody needs an excuse,” he once said. “I blamed it on the ropes, I blamed it on everything.”
Foreman initially retired in 1978 but made a stunning comeback in 1988 at the age of 45. In 1994, he shocked the world once again by reclaiming the heavyweight title—becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
Beyond boxing, Foreman reinvented himself as a minister, businessman, and television personality. He became widely recognised for his George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide.
His influence on boxing and popular culture remains undeniable. As tributes pour in, the world remembers a fighter who never backed down—both in and out of the ring.
