‘EXTRAORDINARY LIFE’ George Foreman dead aged 76: Legendary boxer who fought Muhammad Ali in iconic Rumble in the Jungle dies
LEGENDARY boxer George Foreman has died aged 76, his family have said.
The sporting icon, a two-time heavyweight world champion, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday.
Foreman’s fight with Muhammad Ali at the Rumble in the Jungle is one of the most iconic bouts in the history of the sport.
He later become the face and name of the George Foreman Grill, a business that earned him hundreds of millions of dollars after his retirement from sport.
A statement from George’s family on his Instagram said: “Our hearts are broken. 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, 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 honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
Mike Tyson led tributes following news of his death, sharing two photos of himself alongside Foreman.
Tyson wrote: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Basketball legend Scottie Pippen said: “Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.”
Foreman is in the boxing Hall of Fame and one of the most dangerous punchers to ever walk on Earth.
The wild behind-the-scenes story of Rumble in the Jungle, when Ali and Foreman were BLOCKED from leaving Zaire
Big George enjoyed a decorated career that saw him become heavyweight champion of the world twice in a career that spanned 30 years.
He also remains the oldest ever heavyweight champion of all time.
Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer in November 1994 to win the WBA and IBF belts aged 45 and 299 days.
It came came 20 years after he had last been heavyweight champ in 1974.
Foreman was one of the biggest punchers to ever lace up gloves and suffered just five losses in his 81-fight career.
One of those few defeats was to Muhammad Ali, considered by many the greatest of all time, at the Rumble in the Jungle.
I’m the last British reporter alive who was at Rumble in the Jungle… it was the most bizarre 10 days of my life
OCTOBER 30th 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle, when Muhammad Ali confirmed his immortality by knocking out George Foreman to regain the world heavyweight championship, writes Colin Hart.
That fabulous, mind-blowing fight that took place before an African dawn broke over Kinshasa has been described as the greatest sporting event of the 20th Century.
Sadly, I’m the only British journalist who was at ringside that night who is still alive to tell the tale – of the most bizarre ten days of my working life.
The first bell in Zaire sounded at 4am and the two men were each paid $5million – with president Mobutu Sese Seko putting up the money.
Mobutu was probably the most terrifying, murderous dictator who ever ruled a nation on the African continent — and with Uganda’s Idi Amin as a rival, that is saying something.
The Zairians were scared to death of him, with good reason – as the 20th of May Stadium’s walls pock-marked with holes from firing squads executing dissidents.
He even threatened to shoot telex operators who were caught sleeping when journalists wanted to send their stories to editors back home.
And that’s before the fight even started, with its throbbing tribal drums, 60,000 frenzied fans… and the debut of Ali’s iconic rope-a-dope.
Read Fleet Street boxing legend COLIN HART’S full look back at the Rumble in the Jungle…
Foreman, 25 years old at the time, came in as clear favourite with a 100 per cent record boasting 40 wins and 37 KOs.
The two met in front of a 60,000-strong crowd in Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo, before Ali used a new “rope-a-dope” tactic, to earn an incredible eighth-round knockout..
An estimated one BILLION viewers watching from home.
After the fight, Ali – who died in 2016 aged 74 – and Foreman put their differences aside and became the firmest of friends.
Foreman’s final fight came in November 1997 – aged 48 years and 316 days – against then rising star Shannon Briggs.
But he lost a controversial middle decision with many onlookers believing he had won the fight.
Foreman would retire soon after – and later become the face and name of the George Foreman Grill, which earned him hundreds of millions of dollars.
The immensely popular electronic grill has gone on to sell well over 100 million units worldwide.
