Boxing legend and beloved entrepreneur George Foreman has died at the age of 76, his family and publicist confirmed Friday.
Known to millions as "Big George," Foreman's legacy stretches far beyond the boxing ring. Foreman's storied career began with a gold medal win at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He went on to capture the heavyweight title in 1973 with a dominant victory over Joe Frazier, immortalized by Howard Cosell's famous call: "Down goes Frazier!" His epic 1974 bout against Muhammad Ali, the "Rumble in the Jungle," ended in Foreman's first career defeat.
After retiring in 1977, Foreman made a remarkable comeback a decade later, culminating in a historic 1994 victory over Michael Moorer at age 45 — making him the oldest heavyweight champion ever. He retired for good in 1997 with a 76-5 record and 68 knockouts.
Beyond boxing, Foreman became a successful author, minister, and the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide. Inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Foreman leaves behind a towering legacy inside and outside the ring.
One of the greats from the greatest era in boxing. I watched Rumble in the Jungle a few months ago, one of the most iconic sporting events ever, what a bout between two of the very best.
Known to millions as "Big George," Foreman's legacy stretches far beyond the boxing ring. Foreman's storied career began with a gold medal win at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He went on to capture the heavyweight title in 1973 with a dominant victory over Joe Frazier, immortalized by Howard Cosell's famous call: "Down goes Frazier!" His epic 1974 bout against Muhammad Ali, the "Rumble in the Jungle," ended in Foreman's first career defeat.
After retiring in 1977, Foreman made a remarkable comeback a decade later, culminating in a historic 1994 victory over Michael Moorer at age 45 — making him the oldest heavyweight champion ever. He retired for good in 1997 with a 76-5 record and 68 knockouts.
Beyond boxing, Foreman became a successful author, minister, and the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide. Inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Foreman leaves behind a towering legacy inside and outside the ring.
One of the greats from the greatest era in boxing. I watched Rumble in the Jungle a few months ago, one of the most iconic sporting events ever, what a bout between two of the very best.
