Boxing legend George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76, his family announced on Instagram. He died peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Foreman was a former heavyweight champion, a preacher, and a dedicated family man. His family described him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Who Was George Foreman?

George Foreman (January 10, 1949 – March 21, 2025) was an American boxer, businessman, preacher, and writer. He fought professionally from 1967 to 1997 and was called "Big George." Foreman won the world heavyweight championship twice and also earned an Olympic gold medal. He later became famous for creating the George Foreman Grill.

Foreman had a tough childhood but found his way through boxing. He won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics before turning professional in 1969. In 1973, he became the world heavyweight champion by knocking out the undefeated Joe Frazier in the second round. He defended his title twice but lost to Muhammad Ali in the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight in 1974. After struggling to get another title shot, he retired in 1977 after losing to Jimmy Young.

How did George Foreman die?

George Foreman fell ill in his dressing room after the fight due to exhaustion and heatstroke. He later said that he had a near-death experience during that moment.

Early Life

George Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, and grew up in Houston’s Fifth Ward with six siblings. His mother married J.D. Foreman when George was young, but his biological father was Leroy Moorehead. In his autobiography, Foreman admitted that he had a troubled childhood. 

He dropped out of school at 15 and got involved in crime, including mugging people. However, at 16, he decided to change his life. After seeing a Job Corps ad on TV, he convinced his mother to sign him up. Through the program, he earned his GED and trained as a carpenter and bricklayer. He later moved to Pleasanton, California, where a supervisor helped him start boxing. Although he admired football player Jim Brown, he gave up football to focus on boxing.

Amateur Career and the 1968 Olympics

Foreman competed in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and won a gold medal in the heavyweight boxing division. In the final match, he defeated Jonas Čepulis from the Soviet Union, with the referee stopping the fight in the second round. Čepulis, an experienced boxer with over 220 fights, was 10 years older than Foreman but couldn't keep up with his power.

Foreman’s Olympic journey:

Round of 16: Won against Lucjan Trela (Poland) on points

Quarterfinal: Defeated Ion Alexe (Romania) in the third round

Semifinal: Knocked out Giorgio Bambini (Italy) in the second round

Final: Defeated Jonas Čepulis (Soviet Union), with the referee stopping the fight

After winning, Foreman proudly carried a small U.S. flag around the ring and bowed to the crowd. He always said that winning Olympic gold was his greatest achievement, even more than his world heavyweight titles.

George Foreman’s Wife and Family

George Foreman was married five times throughout his life. His first wife was Adrienne Calhoun, whom he married in 1971, but they divorced in 1974. He later married Cynthia Lewis in 1977, but their marriage ended in 1979. His third wife, Sharon Goodson, was with him from 1981 to 1982, followed by Andrea Skeete, whom he married in 1982 and divorced in 1985. In 1985, Foreman married Mary Joan Martelly, and they remained together until his passing.

Foreman was a devoted family man and had 12 children. He famously named all five of his sons "George Edward Foreman" to ensure they carried on his legacy. His daughters have unique names, including Georgetta and Freeda, among others. Foreman always emphasized the importance of family and faith in his life.