George Foreman, world boxing icon, passed away on March 21, 2025, aged 76, in a hospital in Houston, in the
The family announced the death through a publication on the former boxer’s Instagram, highlighting that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
The cause of death has not been publicly released.
Foreman left behind a wife, Mary Joan Martelly, to whom he had been married since 1985, and 12 children.
The year 2025 saw the departure of several personalities, with Foreman being among the most notable losses in sport.
Other deaths marked the period, including figures from global entertainment and culture.
- Val Kilmer, actor known for roles in films such as Top Gun, has passed away at the age of 65.
- Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer of Black Sabbath, has died aged 76.
- Preta Gil, Brazilian singer, left after battling cancer.
These farewells generated tributes from around the world.
Initial trajectory in boxing
George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, in the Texas.
He won the Olympic gold medal in 1968, in Cidade of México, still as an amateur.
In 1973, at the age of 24, he became world heavyweight champion by knocking out Joe Frazier.
The following year, he faced Muhammad Ali in the famous “Fight at Selva”, at Kinshasa, at Congo, and lost by knockout in the eighth round.
Iconic fight against Ali
The 1974 clash became known as the “Rumble in the Jungle”.
Foreman was the favorite, but Ali applied a rope-a-dope strategy to tire him.
The knockout came in the eighth round, marking one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
The defeat led Foreman to take a break, followed by religious conversion and acting as a pastor.
Return to the ring
Foreman took a break from boxing for ten years, returning in 1987 at the age of 38.
He racked up consecutive victories and, in 1994, at the age of 45, regained the heavyweight title.
The victory occurred against Michael Moorer, by knockout in the tenth round, in Las Vegas.
Foreman became the oldest champion in the division at the time.
Career records
Over the course of 81 professional fights, Foreman had 76 victories, 68 of which were by knockout.
He suffered only five defeats.
His knockout power placed him among the greatest punchers in history, according to specialized rankings.
Foreman ended his career in 1997, maintaining his legacy as two-time world champion.
Life as a pastor and family
After a religious experience in 1977, Foreman became an evangelical pastor.
He founded a church in Houston and dedicated part of his life to preaching.
Married five times, he has 12 children, including five sons named George.
The family emphasized his devotion as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Business success
Foreman teamed up with the electric grill brand that bears his name.
The product has sold more than 100 million units worldwide.
The venture generated a fortune estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.
He acted as a poster boy, consolidating a friendly image outside the ring.
Legacy in world sport
Foreman represented boxing’s golden era in the 1970s, alongside Ali and Frazier.
His return to the ring inspired generations of athletes.
It was introduced in Hall from Fama from Boxe Internacional.
The former boxer maintained influence until recent years, with appearances in events and media.
