World heavyweight champion boxer George Foreman died Friday, March 21, at the age of 76.
Foreman was also an Olympic gold medalist, pastor, husband, father of 12, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
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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His family released the following statement on social media:
Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. 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. 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. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.
Foreman committed his life to Jesus in 1977 after his loss to Jimmy Young. He later told the Houston Chronicle that after the fight, he experienced a panic attack.
“In the dressing room, I was walking back and forth to cool off,” he said. “Then in a split second, I was fighting for my life. I kept thinking, ‘You believe in God; why are you afraid to die?’ But I really didn’t believe.”
Foreman recalled telling God he would donate his boxing earnings to charity, but then he heard a voice say, “I don’t want your money. I want you.”
