The sports world was stunned and heartbroken Friday by the loss of boxing legend George Foreman.
The 76-year-old’s death was announced by his family in an emotional social media post.
“Our hearts are broken,” a post to his Instagram account from the family read. “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. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and a 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,” the statement continued. “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.”
No cause of death has been reported.
If there is any bright spot for Foreman in death, it is that he had a big family — he had 12 children — and he apparently left them in a good situation as he had a reported $300 million fortune.
But, per CelebrityNetWorth.com, almost none of that came from his time as a boxer. Instead, as most know, his George Foreman Grill, which debuted in 1994, helped him build his wealth. At one point, the site said, Foreman was bringing in royalty checks of $8 million per month before the company that made them bought him out for a reported $137.5 million.
So, Foreman’s shrewd business move outside of the ring, should help take care of his family moving forward.
Big George was a heavy-hitting heavyweight with a big personality. He won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, and went on to a professional career in which he established himself as an all-time great while also fighting some of the best to ever lace up the gloves.
Foreman defeated Joe Frazier in 1973 to win his first title, and battled Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974.
Foreman left boxing for 10 years and returned at the age of 46 to beat Michael Moorer and win another heavyweight title.
His last fight came in 1997, a majority decision loss to Shannon Briggs, at the age of 48. He finished with a career record of 76-5.
Two of those losses came against Ali, perhaps the greatest boxer of all-time, and Evander Holyfield, also an all-time great.
“Condolences to George Foreman’s family,” boxing great Mike Tyson posted on X. “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
