BoxRec

Heartbreaking.

One of the best to ever do it.

Rip - fan of George in and out of the ring

R.I.P. Champ

Wow. I just don't what to say. This is shocking.

Few athletes have ever had a career as long and interesting as Foreman. From his flag waving at the Olympics to his first career where he appeared as such a powerful, angry young man capable of felling trees and then his metamorphosis into the jovial, personable elder statesman.

Some athletes are called generational. George was multi generational.

RIP

RIP.

How many left from his era with Ali?

RIP Big George, a true boxing icon.
You gave us so many great moments and memories, you’ll be dearly missed.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑21 Mar 2025, 23:01 RIP.

How many left from his era with Ali?

Of his prime era, none really?
I was just rewatching “Champions Forever” a couple weeks back and was thinking how we only had Larry and George left.
Larry’s prime was obviously a bit later than the other 4

Two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman dies at age 76

"Big" George Foreman, one of the most influential and recognizable boxers of all time, died Friday, his family announced on his social media account.

He was 76.

Foreman, who captured an Olympic gold medal in 1968, was a two-time heavyweight champion and Hall of Fame boxer.

He's perhaps best known for the historic Rumble in the Jungle bout with Muhammad Ali in 1974 in Zaire, a fight Foreman lost in an upset via eighth-round KO. It's arguably the most famous fight of all time, and the "When We Were Kings" film that chronicled the fight won an Oscar for best documentary feature.

Foreman, of course, made history yet again later in his career. He fought five more times after he lost the heavyweight championship to Ali at age 25, including a fifth-round TKO victory over Joe Frazier (whom he stopped in two rounds to first win the title) and a fifth-round KO of Ron Lyle in a classic slugfest.

After that fifth fight at 28, Foreman shockingly announced his retirement and began a career as an ordained minister in his native Texas.

Foreman was retired for 10 years. He returned to boxing in 1987 at age 38. And he went on to mount arguably the most impressive sports comeback ever.

At first, Foreman padded his record with easy wins. One of them was a second-round knockout of Gerry Cooney. But then, in 1991, Foreman proved this comeback was for real when he pushed the great Evander Holyfield to the brink in a classic heavyweight title fight at age 42. Though he was unsuccessful in his bid to become a two-time heavyweight champion, Foreman was undeterred.

Five fights later, following a loss to Tommy Morrison, Foreman accomplished the unthinkable.

Down on the scorecards in another title fight, Foreman landed a two-punch combination that laid Michael Moorer down for the count of 10 in 1994. At 45 years and 299 days old, Foreman was once again the heavyweight champion of the world, the oldest man in history to hold boxing's greatest prize (and also the oldest champion ever, a record that stood for 20 years).

"It happened," Jim Lampley called on the HBO broadcast. "It happened!"

Foreman went on to have a successful career alongside Lampley as an HBO boxing analyst. But his greatest success outside the ring was yet to come.

The same year Foreman defeated Moorer, he launched his eponymous grill. He went on to sell more than 100 million grills worldwide.

In 1999, he sold the commercial rights to the George Foreman grill for $138 million.

Foreman's final fight came in November 1997, a majority decision loss to Shannon Briggs.

He held his role with HBO as a ringside analyst for 12 years, ending in 2004.

The Ring named Foreman the ninth-greatest puncher of all time and, in 2002, one of the 25 best boxers of the past 80 years.

In a statement, Top Rank called Foreman "one of the biggest punchers and personalities the sport has ever seen."

"George was a great friend to not only myself but to my entire family," Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said. "We've lost a family member and are absolutely devastated."

His family posted:

"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."

Ali v Foreman was the first fight i ever watched.

And so started a lifetime obsession.

Thanks for the great memories George

One of the Greatest that ever did it. I can't imagine what an influence he must've been for people in their 40's and 50's who were feeling down about getting older to see this guy come back, and do what he did at that age had to light a fire under so many people.

Rest well George. Fight fans will never forget you.

I think the lawsuit against him by women who alleged sexual abuse in the 1970s must have caused a lot of stress and probably affected his health. The family statement stated that he worked tirelessly to protect the family name. Foreman denied the allegations and considered them defamatory. I don’t know if the lawsuit ended or what the result was.

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:08 I think the lawsuit against him by women who alleged sexual abuse in the 1970s must have caused a lot of stress and probably affected his health. The family statement stated that he worked tirelessly to protect the family name. Foreman denied the allegations and considered them defamatory. I don’t know if the lawsuit ended or what the result was.

What kinda piece of sh*t would bring up this obvious Lie on the day of his death? I wish George had 1 more knockout in him, and it was you on the receiving end you f*cking prick.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:10

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:08 I think the lawsuit against him by women who alleged sexual abuse in the 1970s must have caused a lot of stress and probably affected his health. The family statement stated that he worked tirelessly to protect the family name. Foreman denied the allegations and considered them defamatory. I don’t know if the lawsuit ended or what the result was.

What kinda piece of sh*t would bring up this obvious Lie on the day of his death? I wish George had 1 more knockout in him, and it was you on the receiving end you f*cking prick.

I’m surprised and saddened by George Foreman’s death. I am just stating a possible reason for his unexpected death. I know what stress and lies can do to someone’s health because of my own experiences. Foreman’s family mentioned preserving the family name and lawsuits can put a tremendous amount of financial, physical, and mental stress on a person.

I caught part of the 1st and all of the 2nd end of George Foremans career.
Many of his fights are stand out.
Ali v Foreman
Moorer v Foreman
George was awkward in front of the cameras.
He wasn't in any way polished.
Funny though I liked him.
I think he leaves a positive message.

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:21

gilgamesh wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:10

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:08 I think the lawsuit against him by women who alleged sexual abuse in the 1970s must have caused a lot of stress and probably affected his health. The family statement stated that he worked tirelessly to protect the family name. Foreman denied the allegations and considered them defamatory. I don’t know if the lawsuit ended or what the result was.

What kinda piece of sh*t would bring up this obvious Lie on the day of his death? I wish George had 1 more knockout in him, and it was you on the receiving end you f*cking prick.

I’m surprised and saddened by George Foreman’s death. I am just stating a possible reason for his unexpected death. I know what stress and lies can do to someone’s health because of my own experiences. Foreman’s family mentioned preserving the family name and lawsuits can put a tremendous amount of financial, physical, and mental stress on a person.

Possibly a little too soon to mention it, but obviously the lawsuit would have done absolutely nothing to help George's peace of mind or wellbeing. It would clearly have had an effect on his health and since no cause of death has been given, more on this will likely emerge in the days to come.

Nevertheless, because it was unexpected it's going to remain shocking for some time to come.

Foreman's leaving boxing to become a minister remains the most mysterious period of his otherwise very public life.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing in a most remarkable career was the way he was able to recapture the title in 1994 at the age of 45, almost exactly 2 decades after losing it in the most famous sporting event of the 1970s.

From a historical point of view, if nothing else, it gives us a measure of perspective on the relative value of those 2 eras.

When people want to talk about people reinventing themselves, the George Foreman's transformation from world champion boxer to preacher and then to a globally successful businessman can always be used as a great example.

Unfortunately, such is life, that wherever there's money involved, there's also usually predators involved.

Fun Fact

Hulk Hogan and Foreman had the same agent. Hogan had first dibs between the grill and a blender.

Unfortunately for Hogan, he was out picking his kids up from school. His agent left him a voicemail.

‘Hey, Hogan, I’ve got a grill, and I’ve got a blender; which one do you want to pick? I’ll call George and ask him since you’re not home…’

Hogan got the message and called his agent and asked him what was up. Only for his agent to say Foreman picked the grill. Hogan was left with the bender.



$200 million later, Hogan regrets it

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:21

gilgamesh wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:10

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:08 I think the lawsuit against him by women who alleged sexual abuse in the 1970s must have caused a lot of stress and probably affected his health. The family statement stated that he worked tirelessly to protect the family name. Foreman denied the allegations and considered them defamatory. I don’t know if the lawsuit ended or what the result was.

What kinda piece of sh*t would bring up this obvious Lie on the day of his death? I wish George had 1 more knockout in him, and it was you on the receiving end you f*cking prick.

I’m surprised and saddened by George Foreman’s death. I am just stating a possible reason for his unexpected death. I know what stress and lies can do to someone’s health because of my own experiences. Foreman’s family mentioned preserving the family name and lawsuits can put a tremendous amount of financial, physical, and mental stress on a person.

I agree with you. The family even alluded to it in their statement. Gilgamesh is clearly deeply affected by the passing of George, give him a pass on his insult.

Jimmy2025 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 08:21

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:21

gilgamesh wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:10

What kinda piece of sh*t would bring up this obvious Lie on the day of his death? I wish George had 1 more knockout in him, and it was you on the receiving end you f*cking prick.

I’m surprised and saddened by George Foreman’s death. I am just stating a possible reason for his unexpected death. I know what stress and lies can do to someone’s health because of my own experiences. Foreman’s family mentioned preserving the family name and lawsuits can put a tremendous amount of financial, physical, and mental stress on a person.

I agree with you. The family even alluded to it in their statement. Gilgamesh is clearly deeply affected by the passing of George, give him a pass on his insult.

I understand it is an emotional topic. I know from personal experience that stress is a silent killer. I survived, but it took a tremendous toll on me and I'm still affected by it. It is much more difficult to deal with if someone is elderly like George. It reminded me of the 93-year-old woman who owned land in South Carolina since after the Civil War and a land developer was suing her for the ancestral land that her family owned since the 1860s. She died at 94 years old and did not live to see the family successful in keeping the property. If you read articles about Josephine Wright, you will learn about the fight that she had and the stress she was under.

RIP Big George

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 09:05

Jimmy2025 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 08:21

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:21

I’m surprised and saddened by George Foreman’s death. I am just stating a possible reason for his unexpected death. I know what stress and lies can do to someone’s health because of my own experiences. Foreman’s family mentioned preserving the family name and lawsuits can put a tremendous amount of financial, physical, and mental stress on a person.

I agree with you. The family even alluded to it in their statement. Gilgamesh is clearly deeply affected by the passing of George, give him a pass on his insult.

I understand it is an emotional topic. I know from personal experience that stress is a silent killer. I survived, but it took a tremendous toll on me and I'm still affected by it. It is much more difficult to deal with if someone is elderly like George. It reminded me of the 93-year-old woman who owned land in South Carolina since after the Civil War and a land developer was suing her for the ancestral land that her family owned since the 1860s. She died at 94 years old and did not live to see the family successful in keeping the property. If you read articles about Josephine Wright, you will learn about the fight that she had and the stress she was under.

Yes, good example. Like you, I have experienced legal/governmental pressure and not for something as controversial as George, and I'm a nobody, and it took its toll. I can't imagine what it's like having your entire legacy and image questioned when you are in the public eye.

met him at the Lewis Ruddock fight,, a true gentleman....rip George x God Bless your family x

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:21

gilgamesh wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:10

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:08 I think the lawsuit against him by women who alleged sexual abuse in the 1970s must have caused a lot of stress and probably affected his health. The family statement stated that he worked tirelessly to protect the family name. Foreman denied the allegations and considered them defamatory. I don’t know if the lawsuit ended or what the result was.

What kinda piece of sh*t would bring up this obvious Lie on the day of his death? I wish George had 1 more knockout in him, and it was you on the receiving end you f*cking prick.

I’m surprised and saddened by George Foreman’s death. I am just stating a possible reason for his unexpected death. I know what stress and lies can do to someone’s health because of my own experiences. Foreman’s family mentioned preserving the family name and lawsuits can put a tremendous amount of financial, physical, and mental stress on a person.

My apologies then for my hostile response. I thought you meant it as a jab at George implying you believed the nonsense claims against him. Rubbed me the wrong way. Especially when I'm reading it right after I've just discovered that he'd passed.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 14:17

RScarf1 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:21

gilgamesh wrote: ↑22 Mar 2025, 03:10

What kinda piece of sh*t would bring up this obvious Lie on the day of his death? I wish George had 1 more knockout in him, and it was you on the receiving end you f*cking prick.

I’m surprised and saddened by George Foreman’s death. I am just stating a possible reason for his unexpected death. I know what stress and lies can do to someone’s health because of my own experiences. Foreman’s family mentioned preserving the family name and lawsuits can put a tremendous amount of financial, physical, and mental stress on a person.

My apologies then for my hostile response. I thought you meant it as a jab at George implying you believed the nonsense claims against him. Rubbed me the wrong way. Especially when I'm reading it right after I've just discovered that he'd passed.

Nice one, Gil, takes a real man to apologise.