Legendary Heavyweight Boxer George Foreman Dies Aged 76

The family of boxing legend George Foreman said Friday that he has passed away at the age of 76. Two-time heavyweight champion “Big George” took part in some of the most significant boxing matches ever.

Foreman made his debut at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where he took home a gold medal. George became a professional shortly after the Games. Foreman won his first title as a professional fighter in 1973, defeating then-unbeaten heavyweight champion Joe Frazier.

In one of the most iconic boxing battles ever, known as “The Rumble In The Jungle,” George, then 25 years old and undefeated, faced Muhammad Ali in Zaire in 1974 after successfully defending the title twice.

George Foreman would be remembered as the comeback king

Ali surprised Foreman by TKOing him in the eighth round. The men would grow close over the years. George told TMZ when Ali passed away in 2016 “I lost my best friend.”

Shortly after hanging up his gloves, Foreman retired in 1977 and was ordained as a priest. George preached in a church in the Houston region and devoted his life to God. In 1988, at the age of almost forty, George declared his return to the sport after a ten-year break. In 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman defeated Michael Moorer, then 26 years old, to reclaim his title as heavyweight champion.

With the victory, GF became the oldest heavyweight champion in the sport’s history. One of the greatest achievements in sports history is still the comeback. One of the greatest fighters to ever step foot in a ring, Foreman retired for good in 1997 after recording a record of 76-5 (68 KOs).

As the face of the renowned George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, one of the most commercially successful items in decades, Big George was also one of the most well-known pugilists of all time.

In 2003, Foreman received his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

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