George Foreman attended the premiere of Big George Foreman at Regal L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, on April 26, 2023. (Photo credit: Mark Von Holden/Variety via Getty Images)
Legendary two-time heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his death via an Instagram post, stating that he peacefully passed on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
âWith heavy hearts, we share the loss of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who departed from us on March 21, 2025, embraced by his family,â the statement read.
His family honored his memory, describing him as a dedicated preacher, a loving husband and father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. They remembered him as a man of discipline and conviction who worked to protect his legacy and serve as a positive force in the world.
âWe deeply appreciate the love and prayers being sent our way and ask for privacy as we celebrate the remarkable life of the man we were blessed to call our own.â
George Foremanâs Boxing Career
Nicknamed “Big George,” Foreman earned a place in both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, thanks to his exceptional achievements in the sport.
He began his boxing career in 1967 as an amateur and won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. After turning professional, he quickly built an impressive record of 22 wins and 4 losses.
In 1969, his first year as a pro, Foreman went undefeated with a 13-0 record, securing 11 of those victories by knockout. His dominance continued in the following years, establishing him as one of boxingâs most formidable knockout artists.
Foreman is most famously remembered for his high-profile fights against legendary heavyweights Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
In 1973, he defeated the previously undefeated Joe Frazier to claim the heavyweight championship, a title he successfully defended twice. However, in the historic 1974 âRumble in the Jungleâ match, he suffered his first professional loss to Muhammad Ali. Foreman retired three years later but made a stunning comeback in 1994 at the age of 45.
During his return to the ring, he secured multiple titles, including the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championships.
Foreman became the oldest boxer to win a world heavyweight title before officially retiring in 1997 at 48. He concluded his career with an impressive record of 76 victories, 68 of them by knockout, and only five losses.
Beyond boxing, Foreman found great success as an entrepreneur. His George Foreman Grill became a household name, selling over 100 million units since its launch in 2004.
George Foremanâs Family
Foreman was married five times and had twelve children. He remained with his fifth wife, Mary Joan Martelly, from 1985 until his passing.
Among his children were five sons, all named George: George Jr., George III (âMonkâ), George IV (âBig Wheelâ), George V (âRedâ), and George VI (âLittle Joeyâ).
He once explained his decision to name them all after himself, saying, âI gave all my sons the name George Edward Foreman so they would always have a connection. I tell them, âIf one of us succeeds, we all succeed, and if one struggles, we all struggle together.ââ
Foreman also had seven daughters: Natalia, Leola, Freeda, Michi, Georgetta, Isabella, and Courtney.