2-time world champion George Foreman dies at 76

Boxing Hall of Famer and former two-time world champion George Foreman died on Friday, according to a statement from his family. He was 76.

"Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones," read a statement on Foreman's Instagram page.

"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. A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected - a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name - for his family. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own."

After "Big George" captured a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, he'd need just five years as a professional to become the heavyweight champion of the world with a stunning second-round knockout of the undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973.

After his victory over Frazier, Foreman would suffer the first defeat of his professional career, losing his championship to Muhammed Ali during the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Foreman first retired from boxing in 1977 before announcing his comeback in 1987 after spending a decade as a Christian minister.

At 45, Foreman defeated Michael Moorer to win the second heavyweight title of his career in 1994. He'd go on to hold the belts long enough to become the oldest heavyweight boxing champion in the history of the sport at 46 years and 169 days old.

"The Heywood Giant" retired from boxing once and for all in 1997 as he approached his 49th birthday. He finished his career with a 76-5 record with 68 knockouts.

Following his retirement, Foreman gained notoriety as the spokesperson for the popular "George Foreman Grill," and he made more money endorsing the fat-reducing product than he did as a boxer.

Foreman was elected into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.