Foreman took on Muhammad Ali in 1974 in one in every of boxing’s most well-known match-ups, the Rumble within the Jungle.
Former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman has died at age 76 after a embellished profession as an athlete, a pastor and a businessman.
In a press release on Saturday morning, Foreman’s household wrote on Instagram that the boxing legend had died “surrounded by his family members” the evening earlier than.
“A religious preacher, a faithful husband, a loving father and a proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering religion, humility and goal,” his household wrote.
“A humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply revered. A power for good, a person of self-discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, combating tirelessly to protect his good title – for his household.”
Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949, Foreman’s household moved to Houston, the place he grew up poor within the segregated south and dropped out of junior highschool, utilizing his measurement and power in road robberies.
At 16, Foreman was inspired to channel his rage and stature into boxing after becoming a member of the Job Corps, which was a part of United States President Lyndon B Johnson’s “Nice Society” reforms.
By 19, in his twenty fifth newbie struggle, Foreman had received the heavyweight boxing gold medal on the 1968 Olympics in Mexico Metropolis. Following his win, Foreman went professional and received his first heavyweight championship in 1973 in opposition to reigning champion Joe Frazier.
Nevertheless, his success was short-lived after he misplaced his first title to Muhammad Ali of their well-known “Rumble within the Jungle” struggle in 1974.
However the loss devastated Foreman, who took a yr off earlier than returning to the ring after which, after one other skilled loss, retired in 1977 to turn out to be an ordained minister within the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A decade later, Foreman returned to the ring to lift cash for a youth centre he based in Texas, the place he received 24 straight matches earlier than shedding to Evander Holyfield in a 12-round choice in 1991.
Three years later, at age 45, Foreman knocked out the undefeated Michael Moorer, 19 years his junior, changing into the oldest-ever heavyweight champion.
In 1997, following Foreman’s final match, he ended his profession with knowledgeable report of 76 wins and 5 losses.
However outdoors of the ring, Foreman was finest often called the face of the George Foreman Grill, which was launched in the identical yr he received in opposition to Moorer.
The cooking machine bought greater than 100 million models, making him extra money than his boxing profession ever did.
Foreman is survived by his 5 sons, all named George, 5 organic daughters, and two adopted daughters.
