The Life and Legacy of George Foreman
George Foreman, the former heavyweight champion of the world, passed away on Friday night at the age of 76. His family announced his death on social media, describing him as a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand- and great-grandfather.
Early Life and Boxing Career
Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist, winning the gold in Mexico City in 1968. He rose to the pinnacle of the pro game over the next five years, becoming the heavyweight champion of the world in 1973 by stopping Joe Frazier in Jamaica. However, his reign as champion was short-lived, as he lost his belt to Muhammad Ali in the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight in Zaire in 1974.
The "Rumble in the Jungle"
The fight against Ali was a defining moment in Foreman’s career. Ali used his "rope-a-dope" strategy to frustrate and infuriate Foreman, eventually knocking him down for the first time in his career and stopping the fight in the eighth round. Foreman would later say that he took the fight almost out of charity to Ali, who he suspected to be broke.
Later Life and Career
After losing to Ali, Foreman stopped fighting in 1977 and spent the next decade preaching and working with kids in Houston. He returned to boxing in 1987 and began a lengthy series of victories, eventually earning a title shot against Evander Holyfield in 1991. Although he lost to Holyfield, Foreman continued to fight, and in 1994, he pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history, flooring Michael Moorer with a surgical right hand and claiming Moorer’s two heavyweight belts.
Business Ventures and Legacy
Foreman’s transformation into an inspirational figure was complete, and he fought only four more times before moving on to his next career as a genial businessman, pitchman, and occasional actor. He became best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which launched in the same year as his victory over Moorer and sold over 100 million units. Foreman also briefly starred in a sitcom called "George" in the 1990s and appeared on the reality singing competition "The Masked Singer" in 2022.
Tributes and Remembrance
Foreman’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the boxing world and beyond. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson expressed his condolences on social media, saying, "His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten." Top Rank president Bob Arum described Foreman as a "great friend" and said, "We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated."
Conclusion
George Foreman’s life was marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. He was a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy. As a boxer, he inspired fear and awe, and as a businessman, he became a genius pitchman and entrepreneur. Foreman’s legacy will live on, and his memory will be eternal. As WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman wrote on social media, "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."
