George Foreman, the former world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist, died on Friday, 21 March 2025, at the age of 76.
George Foreman dies: What’s the cause of death?
According to a statement released by his family, he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones.
No official cause of death was disclosed in the family’s announcement. The statement, shared on social media, described him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather,” adding that he “lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
George Foreman biography
Born on 10 January 1949 in Marshall, Texas, George Edward Foreman grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward.
His early years were troubled, and he left school at 15 before turning his life around through the Job Corps program, where he earned his GED and began training in boxing.
Foreman rose to fame at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where he won a gold medal in the heavyweight division.
He turned professional in 1969 and quickly gained attention for his powerful knockouts. In 1973, he defeated Joe Frazier to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
One of Foreman’s most well-known bouts was the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire, where he lost the title to Muhammad Ali.
After retiring in 1977, Foreman became a born-again Christian and was ordained as a minister. He later opened a youth centre in Houston.
In a widely publicised comeback, Foreman returned to boxing in 1987 and made history in 1994 by defeating Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title at age 45, becoming the oldest man ever to win the title.
Outside the ring, he found commercial success with the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units globally.
Foreman was also a television personality, author, and motivational speaker. In 2023, a biopic titled Big George Foreman was released, chronicling his life and legacy.
Reactions to George Foreman’s death
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from across the boxing world and beyond.
Fans, former opponents, and sports institutions expressed their condolences and celebrated Foreman’s achievements.
His family thanked the public for their support, saying:
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
