Former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, one of boxing’s most popular figures, died Friday at age 76.
The family made the announcement on his Instagram page, writing that Foreman “peacefully departed” while “surrounded by loved ones.” A cause of death wasn’t announced.
The statement added, “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.”
Foreman burst into the public consciousness by capturing Olympic gold in the heavyweight division of the 1968 Olympics at Mexico City. He went on to compile a 76-5 record as a pro with 68 knockouts.
Foreman captured the WBA and WBC heavyweight titles in 1973 when he stopped Joe Frazier by technical knockout.
Following two successful title defenses, Foreman was knocked out by Muhammad Ali in “The Rumble in the Jungle” on Oct. 30, 1974, at Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). The iconic fight was the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary movie “When We Were Kings.”
Foreman retired from boxing to become an ordained minister at age 28.
Foreman later returned to the ring and kept boxing into his 40s, losing a title shot against Evander Holyfield in 1991 at age 42 before beating Michael Moorer at age 46 to earn the WBA and IBF championship belts. He lost his final fight, to Shannon Briggs in 1997, at age 48.
The Marshall, Texas, native added another chapter to his legacy in the mid-1990s when he became the pitchman for the George Foreman Grill, a portable electric product. Reportedly more than 100 million George Foreman Grills have been purchased.
Another former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, tweeted Friday night, “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Top Rank boxing promoter Bob Arum said in a statement, “George was a great friend to not only myself but to my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
–Field Level Media
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