George Foreman
George Foreman, world heavyweight champion boxer, Olympic gold medalist, pastor, husband, father of 12, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died Friday, March 21, at the age of 76.
In 1973, a 24-year-old Foreman won the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles after defeating Joe Frazier by second-round TKO. He held the titles until losing to Muhammad Ali in 1974, later describing Ali’s punching combination as “the fastest punch” he had ever seen.
Foreman retired from boxing at age 28 after becoming a born-again Christian and starting a church. He returned to the ring at 38 and won the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles at 45. With a career record of 76 wins and five losses, his final fight was a loss to Shannon Briggs at age 48.
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Foreman committed his life to Jesus in 1977 after his loss to Jimmy Young.
In 1980, he founded The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, where he remained pastor.
In 2023, Foreman’s life story—from world heavyweight champion to preacher—was depicted in the film “Big George Foreman.”
Forman is survived by his wife Mary Joan, 12 children, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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