The world of boxing has lost one of its greatest legends. George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, has passed away at 76, his family confirmed on Friday.
Nicknamed “Big George,” Foreman was a dominant force in the ring, leaving an indelible mark on boxing history. His journey to greatness began at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where he captured a gold medal, showcasing his raw power and skill.
Turning professional shortly after, Foreman quickly rose to the top. In 1973, he stunned the boxing world by defeating the then-undefeated heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, earning his first title with a brutal second-round knockout.
A year later, in 1974, Foreman faced off against Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire. The fight remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history, as Ali used his “rope-a-dope” strategy to tire Foreman before securing an eighth-round TKO victory. Despite their fierce rivalry, the two became close friends over the years. When Ali passed away in 2016, Foreman mourned, calling him his “best friend.”
Foreman shocked the world once again in 1977 when he retired at the height of his career to become an ordained minister, dedicating his life to faith and preaching in his Houston church.
But the story didn’t end there. In 1988, nearly a decade after stepping away from the sport, Foreman made an unprecedented comeback at almost 40 years old, proving that age was just a number. His journey back to the ring would cement his place as one of boxing’s most enduring figures.
As tributes pour in from around the globe, George Foreman’s legacy as a champion, mentor, and inspiration will continue to live on.
