George Foreman, Boxing Legend, Dies at 76: A Celebration of His Legacy

George Foreman, a boxing superstar, passed away on Friday at the age of 76. His family shared the news on social media. Known for his powerful punches, Foreman fought in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” match against Muhammad Ali in 1974, where he lost. After his boxing career, he became a preacher and returned to the ring, winning the heavyweight championship again at the age of 45.

Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, and raised by a single mother with six siblings. He dropped out of school and got involved in street crime before finding boxing. At just 19, he won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics and later became the heavyweight champion twice, 21 years apart!

His boxing record was impressive: 76 wins, including 68 by knockout, with only 5 losses. Foreman first became a champion by defeating Joe Frazier in 1973, knocking him down six times in just two rounds. In the iconic Rumble in the Jungle, many thought Ali couldn’t win, since he had lost the title years earlier for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War. But Ali surprised everyone and wore Foreman out with his rope-a-dope strategy, leading to a knockout victory.

After retiring in 1977, Foreman became a minister and built a church in Texas. He said losing to Ali was a blessing in disguise. He made a comeback in 1987, winning 24 more fights before losing to Evander Holyfield in 1991. In 1994, he became the oldest heavyweight champion by knocking out Michael Moorer, who was much younger, to regain his titles.

Foreman retired for the second time in 1997 and found great success with the George Foreman Grill, selling over 100 million units and earning more money than from boxing! A biographical film named “Big George Foreman” was released in 2023, featuring Khris Davis as Foreman. He also appeared in several TV shows.