Boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist George Foreman dies at 76

Boxer George Foreman's family confirmed his death

Boxing legend and two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman aka Big George died on March 21. He was 76. He was an Olympic gold medalist. The news of George Foreman’s death was confirmed by his family on social media.

Foreman’s family took to Instagram and shared a sweet family photo with his death news in the caption. His family wrote, “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 caption continued, “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.”

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A post shared by George Foreman (@biggeorgeforeman)

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman paid tribute to the boxer and wrote on X, "Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life... The great George Foreman has passed away... Legendary boxing champion, life changing preacher, Husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have. His memory is now eternal , may Big George rest in peace"

Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for lifeThe great George Foreman has passed away Legendary boxing champion, life changing preacher, Husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have.His memory is now eternal , may Big Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) March 22, 2025

For the unaware, George Foreman was a famous boxer from Texas. He won a gold medal in the Olympics and became a heavyweight champion by defeating Joe Frazier in 1973. However, he lost the title ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ to Muhammad Ali in a historic fight in 1974.

Foreman retired from boxing but returned 10 years later and had a remarkable comeback, winning two heavyweight belts at age 45. He then became a successful businessman, known for the popular George Foreman Grill, a simple cooking machine which sold more than 100 million units.

George Foreman was also a TV commentator for HBO's boxing matches and a spokesperson for his bestselling grills. A movie about his life was released in 2023.

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On the personal front, Foreman was married four times. He was first married to Adrienne Calhoun from 1971 to 1974, then to Cynthia Lewis from 1977 to 1979. He went on to marry Andrea Skeete from 1982 to 1985. In 1985, he married Mary Joan Martelly. In 2022, Foreman was accused of child sexual abuse. He denied the allegations.

George Foreman is survived by his wife and 11 children.