Former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, known as much for his gregarious personality as his vicious right hook, died Friday. He was 76 years old.
Foreman, known his post-boxing career for pitching his now-omnipresent countertop grill, was heavyweight champion twice. He also won gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
His family announced his death in a post on Instagram.
Retired pro-boxer George Foreman arrives for the world premiere of “Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World,” at Regal LA Live in Los Angeles, California, on April 26, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images
“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” the statement said. “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.”
Foreman won his first heavyweight title at just 24 with a stunning knockout of the then-undefeated Joe Frazier.
ATLANTIC CITY: George Foreman lands the punch against Lou Savarese during the fight at Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey. George Foreman won the World Boxing Union heavyweight title. (Photo by The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
The Ring Magazine via Getty Imag
Billed as The Rumble in the Jungle, Foreman’s most famous fight ended in his first professional loss to Muhammad Ali in October 1974. He surrendered the heavyweight title in the knockout loss.
But he would regain the belt after a 10-year retirement in a fight in 1994 against Michael Moorer at 45 years old.
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