Egypt Daily News – American boxer George Foreman, who returned to boxing after retirement and won the heavyweight title at the age of 45, passed away on Saturday at the age of 76, according to his family. He was a boxing legend and a successful businessman, leaving an unforgettable legacy.
His family announced on Instagram: “With deep sadness, we announce the passing of George Edward Foreman, our beloved father, who passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.”
“Big George” was a fierce boxer with powerful punches. He lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974. Later, he was heavier when he defeated Michael Moorer to reclaim the title two decades later. His comeback and the fortune he made from selling fat-reducing electric grills turned him into a symbol of self-improvement and success in the latter half of the 20th century.
Born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, Foreman and his six siblings were raised by a single mother in Houston. He grew up in poverty, dropped out of middle school, and used his physical strength in street robberies.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated: “George’s journey from the streets of the Fifth Ward to success in boxing and business was inspiring. He never forgot where he came from, and Houston will always be proud to call him one of its own.”
After turning professional, Foreman won 37 consecutive fights before facing champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, defeating him by TKO in the second round.
He defended the title twice before facing Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), in one of the most famous boxing matches in history.
Ali had been stripped of his title seven years earlier for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam War. He entered the fight as the underdog against the younger, stronger champion. However, Ali leaned against the ropes for seven rounds, absorbing Foreman’s powerful punches until he exhausted him, then knocked him down in the eighth round.
Foreman recalled in a 2007 interview: “I was a powerful heavyweight fighter. I was a punching machine, and that was the first time I gave it my all and it wasn’t enough.”
The loss was devastating for Foreman, leading him to take a year off before returning. After suffering another professional defeat, he retired in 1977 to become a preacher.
A decade later, after his weight had reached 315 pounds (143 kg), Foreman made an unexpected return to boxing to raise funds for a youth center he had founded in Texas.
He continued to win, shedding weight gradually before losing to Evander Holyfield in a 12-round decision in 1991.
Three years later, he knocked out previously undefeated southpaw Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion ever at age 45.
Foreman’s last fight was in 1997, finishing his career with a record of 76 wins and five losses.
He was married five times and had five sons, all named George, along with five daughters and two adopted daughters.
