Boxing heavyweight icon George Foreman, known to fans as “Big George,” has passed away at the age of 76. His remarkable life, spanning Olympic gold, two heavyweight championship reigns, and a surprising turn as a grill mogul, leaves behind a legacy that transcends the boxing ring.
A Life of Faith and Purpose
Foreman’s family announced his passing on Instagram, expressing their heartbreak while celebrating his multifaceted life. “Our hearts are broken. 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.” The statement further highlighted his humanitarian efforts, Olympic achievements, and boxing accolades, emphasizing his role as “a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy.”
Boxing World pays tribute to George Foreman
Tributes poured in from across the boxing world, with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson acknowledging George Foreman’s enduring impact. “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” Tyson stated. The Ring magazine, a respected authority in boxing, hailed Foreman as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time,” emphasizing his status as “an icon of the sport forever.”
Hulk Hogan Reacts To George Foreman’s Death
2-Time WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan posted the following about George’s passing on Instagram:
“Rest In Peace my brother in Christ.
For over 40 years George showed me nothing but love and friendship. He was the true example of what a Christian and a champion should be. He loved everyone and instantly forgave anyone, even his fiercest enemies. I will miss you my friend. See you down the road. Only love. Hulk Hogan.”
The Hulkster also shared the following photo:
Early Life and Olympic Glory of George Foreman
Born in 1949 and raised in the segregated American South, Foreman’s early life was marked by hardship. He dropped out of school and engaged in street robberies before finding his calling in boxing. He won Olympic gold at the 1968 Mexico City Games and turned professional, embarking on a dominant run.
The “Rumble in the Jungle” and a Spiritual Awakening
Foreman’s boxing career was marked by extraordinary achievements, including two heavyweight title reigns separated by 21 years. He famously lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, a fight he reflected on 50 years later with the BBC. “Oh, he’s not going to last one round,” Foreman recalled experts predicting. But Ali’s “rope-a-dope” strategy wore him down, leading to an eighth-round knockout.
After retiring in 1977, Foreman became an ordained minister, founding the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas. He told the BBC that his defeat to Ali became “the best thing that ever happened to me,” leading him to his ministry. “We began meeting informally at various homes in Houston, and before long, the crowds became too large for most houses to accommodate,” Foreman said.
A Comeback and the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine”
George Foreman’s comeback to boxing in 1987, initially to raise funds for a youth center, led to another heavyweight title win in 1994, making him the oldest champion in history at 45. This remarkable feat was followed by his unlikely but wildly successful venture as the face of the George Foreman Grill. His “Lean Mean Grilling Machine” catchphrase became iconic, and the grill’s sales dwarfed his boxing earnings.
A Family Man and Lasting Legacy
Beyond his boxing and business success, Foreman was a devoted family man. Married five times, he had 12 children, including five sons all named George. “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 explained on his website.
George Foreman’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of reinvention. He will be remembered not only as a boxing legend but also as a man who found success and purpose beyond the ring.