World Mourns after Boxing Legend and Ordained Minister George Foreman Dies at 76
Boxing legend George Foreman, a businessman and ordained minister, passed away Friday at the age of 76, according to his family.
"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."
Foreman's family said in an Instagram post. "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" they added.
Foreman's family also thanked everyone for their "outpouring of love and prayers," and asked for privacy at this time as they "honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own."
Celebrities and boxing fans took to social media and posted their tributes honoring Foreman.
"Condolences to George Foreman's family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten," fellow boxing legend Mike Tyson wrote.
Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Xs5QjMukqr
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 22, 2025
"Rest in Peace to the LEGENDARY George Foreman, who passed away at 76. More than just a boxing World HeavyweightChamp, Olympic Gold Medalist and George Foreman Grill maker. He was a Man of God, a Preacher and the embodiment of Power. Prayers up for Big George and his family," Robert Lee Griffin III, a former NFL player for the Washington Redskins, said.
Rest in Peace to the LEGENDARY George Foreman who passed away at 76. More than just a boxing World HeavyweightChamp, Olympic Gold Medalist and George Foreman Grill maker. He was a Man of God, a Preacher and the embodiment of Power. Prayers up for Big George and his family 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ygvh1ulhFm
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 22, 2025
President of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaiman, also paid tribute to Foreman.
"Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life The great George Foreman has passed away Legendary boxing champion, life changing preacher, Husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have. His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace," Sulaiman wrote on X.
Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) March 22, 2025
The great George Foreman has passed away
Legendary boxing champion, life changing preacher, Husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have.
His memory is now eternal , may Big…
Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949 and grew up in Houston, Yahoo New reports.
"I went into boxing at the age of 17 to lose weight and become a great street fighter," he told the Ringside Report in 2000. "Next thing I know, I was fighting as a Golden Glover. It basically all happened as an accident."
Also known as "Big George," Foreman began his boxing career in the 1960s and won his first heavyweight title in 1973 and again in 1994, Yahoo News reports. He secured a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Foreman retired from boxing in 1999 with 76 wins, five losses, and 68 knockouts in his overall record.
Boxing aside, Foreman launched the George Foreman Grill in 1994, and over 100 million grills have been sold. Foreman is also a born-again Christian, turning to Christ in 1977 in what is considered to be a "deeply religious experience" following his loss to boxer Jimmy Young.
He later became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, an OnenessPentecostal multi-campus church, and began preaching in 1980.
In 2023, he served as executive producer for his faith-based biopic Big George Foreman.
"Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit," a synopsis for the biopic reads.
Foreman was married five times throughout his life and he is survived by his last wife, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985, and 11 children.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Roger Kisby/Stringer
Originally published March 24, 2025.
