The world of sports and beyond mourns the loss of George Foreman, a two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and cultural icon, who passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. His family announced the news via an emotional Instagram post, stating, “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed surrounded by loved ones.” No official cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
A Titan in the Ring
Foreman’s remarkable career in boxing spanned three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, and raised in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Foreman rose from humble beginnings to become a global name. His journey began with a gold medal win at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, followed by a professional career that saw him claim the heavyweight title in 1973 with a stunning second-round knockout of the then-undefeated Joe Frazier.
Perhaps his most famous bout came in 1974, when he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire. Though Foreman lost the title to Ali in an eighth-round TKO, the fight cemented his status as one of the hardest-hitting heavyweights in history. Remarkably, Foreman returned to the ring after a decade-long hiatus, reclaiming the heavyweight crown in 1994 at age 45 by knocking out Michael Moorer—making him the oldest heavyweight champion ever.
ESPN reported the news of his passing just nine hours ago, calling him a “Hall of Fame boxer” whose legacy transcended the sport. Tributes have poured in from peers and fans alike, with many reflecting on his incredible power and resilience.
Beyond Boxing: The Grill and the Man
Foreman’s influence extended far beyond the squared circle. After retiring from boxing in 1977 and becoming an ordained minister, he made a surprising and triumphant return to the sport. But it was his post-boxing entrepreneurial venture that turned him into a household name. The George Foreman Grill, launched in 1994 with the catchy slogan “Lean Mean Grilling Machine,” sold over 100 million units worldwide and netted him a fortune, reportedly including a $138 million payout for the commercial rights in 1999. As The New York Times noted just 10 minutes ago, Foreman “parlayed his fame and amiable personality into a multimillion-dollar grill business.”
Posts on X captured the sentiment of fans mourning both the fighter and the cultural figure. One user,
@Badass_Patriot
, wrote, “I’m so f***ing sad right now. Actual tears. Watching him on HBO fight night is one of the few good memories from my childhood. God bless.” Another,
@elliscashmore
, highlighted Foreman’s broader impact: “George was a reluctant political character in the 1970s, the yin to Ali’s yang… a domesticated, patriotic figure who loved America.”
Tributes from Icons and Leaders
The news of Foreman’s death prompted reactions from across the spectrum. Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, as reported by Fox News an hour ago, to pay his respects: “George Foreman is dead. What a great fighter!!! He had, without question, the heaviest and biggest punch in the history of boxing… He was something really special, but above all, he was a great person, with a personality that was bigger than life.” Trump’s tribute underscored Foreman’s larger-than-life presence both in and out of the ring.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson also shared his grief, saying, “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” a sentiment echoed in posts trending on X.
@Chron_MattYoung
noted that Tyson, along with Charles Barkley and others, were among the first to offer condolences, reflecting Foreman’s wide-reaching influence.
A Life of Faith and Family
Foreman’s family described him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather” who lived with “unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.” Married five times, he leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly, 12 children—including five sons all named George—and numerous grandchildren. His faith, which led him to step away from boxing in 1977 to focus on ministry, remained a cornerstone of his life.
A Legacy That Endures
George Foreman’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a fighter, entrepreneur, and beloved personality endures. From the streets of Houston to the pinnacle of boxing glory, and from the pulpit to the infomercial screen, Foreman’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. As
@DllcFoxtrotter
posted on X, “Family Announces Death of George Foreman: ‘Our Hearts Are Broken’”—a sentiment shared by millions worldwide.
Rest in peace, Big George. Your punch may have floored opponents, but your spirit lifted us all.