George Foreman, Heavyweight Boxing Champion and ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ Icon, Dies at 76

George Foreman, a towering figure in boxing history, has died at the age of 76. The two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, renowned for his powerful punches and his legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” bout against Muhammad Ali, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.  

A verified social media account dedicated to Foreman shared the news, highlighting his multifaceted life as a devout preacher, devoted husband, loving father, and respected humanitarian. The post emphasized his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to his family and legacy.

Foreman’s boxing career was marked by extraordinary achievements. He won Olympic gold in 1968, turned professional, and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. In 1973, he defeated Joe Frazier to claim the WBA and WBC heavyweight titles. His subsequent defenses of the title set the stage for his iconic 1974 clash with Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire.  

The “Rumble in the Jungle” remains one of the most celebrated boxing matches of all time. Despite being favored, Foreman lost to Ali, a defeat that profoundly impacted his life. He later expressed that he formed a deep friendship with Ali.  

After retiring from boxing in 1977 and becoming an ordained minister, Foreman made a remarkable comeback to the ring at the age of 39. In 1994, he stunned the boxing world by regaining the heavyweight titles, 20 years after his loss to Ali. He finally retired in 1997 with an impressive record of 76 wins, 68 by knockout, and five losses.  

Beyond boxing, Foreman achieved significant success as an entrepreneur, most notably with the “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine.” He also engaged in various other ventures and continued his ministry work.

His life story, from an impoverished childhood in Houston to becoming a global icon, was portrayed in the 2023 film “Big George Foreman.”

Foreman’s life was not without challenges. In 2019, he lost his daughter Freeda, and in 2022, he faced allegations of sexual abuse, which he denied.  

Despite these hardships, George Foreman’s legacy as a boxing legend, a devoted family man, and a successful entrepreneur remains indelible. His impact on the sport and his influence beyond the ring will be remembered for generations.