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Foreman’s journey began long before he became a household name. Rising from a tough childhood, he punched his way into history with a career that started in 1967 and spanned three decades. Nicknamed “Big George” for his size and devastating power, Foreman racked up an astonishing 76 wins—with 68 knockouts—during his time as a professional boxer.
By 19, he was already making waves on the global stage, clinching an Olympic gold medal. Just five years later, he bulldozed through Joe Frazier to become heavyweight champion of the world.
His only knockout loss came in 1974, at the hands of Muhammad Ali in the historic “Rumble in the Jungle.” That fight remains one of the most iconic clashes in boxing history. Foreman, then undefeated at 40-0, was stunned by Ali’s rope-a-dope strategy. Yet what followed was a lifelong friendship between two of the sport’s greatest warriors.
Foreman stepped away from boxing in 1977 but stunned the world with a return in the 1990s. The comeback was more than symbolic—at age 45, he shocked critics by knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round, reclaiming the heavyweight title and becoming the oldest champion ever.
Commentators were counting him out as the fight wore on, but Foreman, with his signature overhand right, dropped Moorer in a flash. It wasn’t just a victory—it was history.
Outside the ring, Foreman became a titan of another kind. In 1994, he teamed up with Spectrum Brands to launch the George Foreman Grill. What seemed like a novelty item became a cultural phenomenon.
The slanted, fat-reducing grill resonated with millions. It was easy to use, easy to clean, and became a staple in American kitchens. Over 100 million grills were sold, catapulting Foreman into entrepreneurial stardom.
The financial rewards were staggering. In 1999, Salton Inc. paid Foreman a reported $138 million to buy the rights to his name. Before that, he was pulling in about $4.5 million a month from grill sales. His total haul? Estimated north of $200 million—more than he ever earned with gloves on.
Tributes flooded in following the announcement of his death.
“Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” said Mike Tyson, who once considered a bout with Foreman but never faced him in the ring.
“Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ,” wrote NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.
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After retiring from boxing for good in 1997, Foreman devoted himself to his Christian faith, becoming a preacher. He later worked as a boxing analyst for HBO and, in 2023, saw his life turned into a biographical film.
Foreman leaves behind a large family—12 children in all, including five sons all named George Edward Foreman.
“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather and the best friend you could have,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman wrote. “His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace.”
From the squared circle to the pulpit, from the spotlight to the supper table, George Foreman wasn’t just a fighter—he was a force. His legacy will live on not only in the record books, but in hearts and homes across America.
