Legendary boxer George Foreman has died peacefully, aged 76.
The American won Olympic gold in 1968, as well as claiming two world heavyweight titles 21 years apart - making him the oldest champion in history, at the age of 45.
He went on to found a church and become an ordained minister, as well as putting his name to a best-selling grill.
He was two-time world heavyweight champion in a boxing career that spanned over two decades, before he hung up his gloves and saw success as an entrepreneur with his George Foreman Grill line.
A post on his Instagram page said he died peacefully on Friday surrounded by family.
“Our hearts are broken,” the post said.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on 21 March 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and 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.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
Irish boxer Barry McGuigan described Foreman as an “immense fighter” with a “remarkable career”.
“He was such a great human being, such a great fighter, and such a humble guy, so decent and understated but honestly, one of the greatest fighters that I’ve ever seen,” he told Newstalk’s Anton Savage Show.
“At 45 years old winning the World Heavyweight title, I don’t think we’ll ever have another heavyweight champion at that age. We’ve lost a colossal in the great George Foreman.”
Married five times, Foreman had 12 children, including five boys, all of whom he named George. “I named all my sons George so they would always have something in common,” Foreman said.
“I say to them, if one of us goes up, we all go up. And if one goes down, we all go down together.”
