George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and successful entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 76, his family announced on Instagram.

“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,” the statement read. The family described him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great-grandfather.” They added that he was “a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy.”

The oldest heavyweight champion

Foreman rose to prominence in the boxing world after winning a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He turned professional shortly after and quickly became one of the most feared heavyweights in history. In 1973, he won his first heavyweight championship by defeating reigning champion Joe Frazier in just two rounds.

However, his most famous fight came the following year in the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" against Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), which he lost to the other boxing legend.

After another loss in 1977, Foreman retired from boxing and became an ordained minister.

However, a decade later, Foreman made an astonishing return to the ring, initially to raise funds for a youth center he founded. Despite skepticism about his age and weight, Foreman gradually worked his way back into contention. 

Three years later, at age 45, he stunned the world by knocking out undefeated champion Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title. The victory made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a record that still stands. He finally retired in 1997 with a record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and just five losses.

A successful boxer and entrepreneur 

Outside of boxing, Foreman became a cultural icon through his entrepreneurial success. He was best known for endorsing the George Foreman Grill, a fat-reducing electric cooker that became a household staple. His deal with home appliance maker Salton Inc. earned him over $137 million, making him one of the most financially successful athletes of his era.

Foreman remained an influential public figure, frequently appearing on television and continuing his work as a minister. He also wrote several books, sharing his experiences in both boxing and business.

Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985, as well as his children—including five sons all named George.