Beloved Boxer George Forman Dies at 76
Movieguide® Contributor
George Foreman died last week at the age of 76, “surrounded by loved ones.”
“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,” his family shared on Instagram.
“Our hearts are broken,” they announced. “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.”
Born in 1949, Foreman debuted as a boxer at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. He made his first renowned mark that day by fighting Soviet Union boxer Jonas Čepulis and winning gold. He’s known for “The Sunshine Sundown,” his fight with Joe Frazier, and the “Rumble in the Jungle” when Foreman fought Muhammad Ali.
The boxer has three heavyweight championship world titles. He won 76 out of 81 professional boxing matches, 68 of which were won by knockout. In the 90s, he introduced the George Foreman grill, selling over 100 million units.
But he’s also known for his faith. In 1980, he decided to follow the call to become a pastor.
Two years ago, Movieguide® founder Dr. Ted Baehr interviewed Foreman about his biopic, BIG GEORGE FOREMAN, which won a Teddy Bear Award®.
“When I’m speaking and teaching people how to succeed in Hollywood without losing your faith, etc., I tell your story,” Dr. Baehr told Foreman. “Because I tell people they’re more than conquerors.”
“You paid the price. You did the battle. So to me, you are a great allegory for Jesus Christ. He went in and paid the price, and now we’re more than conquerors,” Dr. Baehr said.
Foreman explained that he started “from the bottom” and lacked motivation or hope.
“The word potential doesn’t exist. Success doesn’t even exist. These words didn’t exist and I got a chance to become heavyweight champ of the world and then a second time built on faith in God,” he shared.
He’s held onto that faith for most of his life.
“You can see me in Sunday School… I’ve been preaching 46 years in the ministry, and that’s all I do. That’s my whole life is built around my ministry,” Foreman said. “…And most all my kids—that’s all they know me as—George Foreman the preacher.”
In his 1977 fight with Jimmy Young, Foreman clinically died in his dressing room but says God gave him life again.
“I was gone out of this life. Above me, under me, all around me was nothing,” he told the Christian Post.
“That was the most hopelessness I’ve ever experienced in my life, to be nothing in a dump yard of just it’s over,” he told Dr. Baehr. “…It was all over for me and I just got angry. I said, ‘I don’t care if this is death. I still believe in God.’
“A big hand reached into nothingness and pulled me back out. I was alive again, and I’ve been celebrating that life ever since,” he said, smiling. “I’m just so happy to be alive and have been given a second chance.”
Foreman was a great man and a great influence for Christ. He didn’t take his life for granted.
The boxer is survived by his wife and 11 children. He will be deeply missed.
READ NEXT: GEORGE FOREMAN RECALLS NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE: ‘THERE IS A LIVING GOD’
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