George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before becoming an inspiring champion and a successful businessman, passed away on Friday night at the age of 76. Foreman’s journey through boxing was marked by extraordinary highs and unexpected comebacks.
In his 20s, Foreman became the heavyweight champion of the world, a title he would later lose to Ali in one of the most iconic fights in boxing history. But George Foreman’s story didn’t end there. Two decades later, at 45, he achieved what many thought impossible—becoming the oldest man ever to win the heavyweight championship. In a stunning upset in 1994, he knocked out Michael Moorer with a single, perfect combination, reclaiming the title at the age of 45.
But even after his in-ring days were behind him, Foreman continued to live a remarkable life. He left boxing for a while, only to return after a 10-year hiatus, fueled by what he described as a religious awakening. Foreman’s appeal extended far beyond the ring—he starred in a sitcom, George, in the 1990s and even made an appearance on the reality singing competition The Masked Singer in 2022. In 2023, a biographical film about his incredible life was released, highlighting his incredible journey.
Foreman, a Texas native, became a boxing sensation after winning a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics. He was an intimidating presence in the ring, most notably stopping Joe Frazier in 1973 to secure his place as the top heavyweight. However, it was his dramatic loss to Ali in 1974, in what is still regarded as one of the most audacious victories in boxing history, that would redefine his career. Ali’s strategy of taunting and tiring Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle” led to a loss that seemed to erase the invincible aura Foreman had built.
Foreman’s life off the ring was just as remarkable. A proud father of 12 children, including five sons all named George Edward Foreman, he built a lasting legacy, not just as a boxer, but also as a savvy businessman and beloved public figure.