George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost in the “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second act as a champion at 45 years old and a successful entrepreneur, passed away on Friday night. He was 76 years old.
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Foreman’s family announced his death on social media.
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“A devoted preacher, a dedicated husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” wrote his family.
Born in Texas, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist who inspired fear as he climbed to the top of the heavyweight division by defeating Joe Frazier in 1973.
His formidable aura vanished just one year later, when Ali achieved one of the most audacious victories in boxing history in Zaire, taunting and provoking Foreman until he lost his title in one of the greatest fights ever organized.
Foreman left the sport a few years later, but returned after a 10-year absence and a self-described religious awakening.
He then achieved one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history in 1994, knocking down Michael Moorer —who was 19 years younger than him— with a perfect combination to claim Moorer’s two heavyweight titles.
Foreman’s transformation into an inspiring figure was complete, and he only fought four more times before moving on to his next career as a friendly businessman, salesman, and occasional actor.
He was also known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, a rudimentary kitchen machine that sold over 100 million units and made him much richer than his sport ever had.