Former two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist George Foreman (76-5, 68 KOs) died today at 76. It was reported on Foreman’s family Instagram site and confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.
Early Years & Olympic Gold
The 1968 Olympic gold medalist Foreman captured world titles in 1973 and 1994. He retired from the sport a wealthy man, thanks to being the spokesman for the George Foreman grill. He made a fortune from the grill, which is still around today.
‘Big George’ had an interesting career in two parts. In the first, he was this slim, muscular fighter known for his knockouts of Joe Frazier and Ken Norton. Many fans who were around in Foreman’s younger days remember him for his victory over Joe Frazier in 1973.
Howard Cossell worked the fight as the broadcaster and went nuts after Foreman dropped Frazier for the first time, saying, “Down goes Frazier. Down goes Frazier.” He’d been expected to defeat the then 24-year-old Foreman, but it was a mismatch.
He was stopped by Muhammad Ali in 1974. He retired after an upset 12-round unanimous decision loss to Jimmy Young on March 17, 1977, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Foreman stayed retired for ten years before launching a comeback in 1987 at age 39.
No longer slim, a chunky-looking Foreman still possessed his power but was slower than he’d been in younger days. He knocked out the likes of Gerry Cooney, Dwight Muhammad, and Bert Cooper before later becoming a two-time heavyweight champion when he stopped IBF and WBA champion Michael Moorer in the tenth round on November 5, 1994. Foreman was 45 at the time.
Controversy & Farewell
Three years later, Foreman retired after losing a controversial 12-round majority decision to Shannon Briggs on November 22nd, 1997. Many boxing fans who saw that fight felt that Foreman was robbed and felt it was a political thing.
Foreman worked for HBO for 12 years before retiring in 2004. He made the broadcasts interesting to listen to him, him, and Larry Merchant.
Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life
The great George Foreman has passed away
Legendary boxing champion, life changing preacher, Husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have.
His memory is now eternal , may Big…— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) March 22, 2025
Last Updated on 03/21/2025
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