Rewritten Article
Saying Goodbye to Boxing Legend George Foreman
Boxing icon George Foreman passes away at the age of 76.
The world of sports mourns the loss of George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, who passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. The news was shared by his family on Instagram, expressing their sorrow for the loss of a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
From Ghetto Brawler to Olympic Champion
Foreman, born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, began his life battling against poverty and crime. Growing up in Houston's notorious Fifth Ward, infamously known as the "Bloody Fifth," he struggled alongside his single mother and six siblings. Dropping out of school at 15, Foreman found himself in a downward spiral of petty crimes and bullying.
But, his life took a dramatic turn when he joined the federal Job Corps program. A new chapter began, and he moved to a camp in Oregon, where he encountered new social dynamics and discovered the power of literature. Boxing became his outlet, as a coach recognized his athletic potential and channeled his aggression into discipline. Foreman quit smoking and committed to his new passion, making boxing his ticket to a better life.
A Championship Career
Foreman's boxing career took off, and he won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Turning professional in 1969, he had an impressive run of 37 consecutive wins, eventually capturing the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles by defeating Joe Frazier in 1973.
Perhaps one of the most memorable fights in boxing history took place in 1974, when Foreman lost to Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble in the Jungle." Ali's unorthodox "Rope-a-Dope" strategy stunned Foreman, who went down in the eighth round, ultimately ceding the heavyweight crown to the spectacular boxing legend.
A Second Act in the Ring
Foreman had a near-death experience in 1977, which marked the end of his professional boxing career. Following this harrowing moment, he became a Christian minister, founding his church – The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ – and building a youth center in Houston, where he worked with children from challenging backgrounds, like his own.
Returning to professional boxing in 1987, at the age of 38, Foreman made a successful comeback. He knocked out his opponent, Steve Zouski, in the fourth round and stunned the world by becoming the oldest heavyweight champion ever, at 45 years and 299 days, after beating Michael Moorer in 1994.
Unfortunately, controversy marred his title defense against German professional boxer Axel Schulz in 1995, resulting in the IBF stripping him of the heavyweight title. Foreman's last fight came in 1997, against Shannon Briggs, marking the end of a illustrious boxing career.
The Man Beyond the Ring
Outside the ring, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur, most notably with the George Foreman Grill. The innovative electric contact grill, designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, has sold over 100 million units and generated over $200 million in profits. Foreman also wrote books, fitness products, and supplements, and regularly appeared on TV shows in the United States.
George Foreman leaves behind a legacy as a boxing world champion, Olympic gold medalist, successful businessman, and a dedicated advocate for the community. His story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the darkest beginnings can lead to the brightest endings.
What was George Foreman's age at the time of his passing in 2025, making him the oldest heavyweight champion ever?
For a brief period, George Foreman, the foreman of the ring, put down his boxing gloves to serve as a Christian minister in Houston, a city where he was once a troubled teenager.
In 1994, the foreman of Houston made a remarkable sports comeback at the age of 45, securing the heavyweight title with a victory against Michael Moorer, a fight that would be remembered as one of the most significant moments in sports history.
