The Last Rumble: George Foreman Dies at 76

George Foreman — Olympic gold medalist, two-time heavyweight champion of the world, preacher, and unlikely kitchen mogul — has died at the age of 76.

The boxing icon passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas, on Monday evening, surrounded by his family. Though the cause of death has not been confirmed, the world is mourning the loss of a man whose story was as powerful as his punch — and whose life proved to be one of America’s most remarkable tales of reinvention.

From the Streets to the Summit

Born in Marshall, Texas, and raised in the tough neighborhoods of Houston’s Fifth Ward, George Edward Foreman rose from a troubled youth to global stardom. He won gold in boxing at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, launching a professional career that would span decades and shape heavyweight boxing in the golden era of the sport.

In 1973, Foreman overwhelmed Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, knocking him down six times in two brutal rounds to become world heavyweight champion. Foreman’s raw power was legendary — he notched 76 victories in 81 fights, with a staggering 68 knockouts.

The following year, however, he would fall to Muhammad Ali in one of the most iconic bouts in boxing history — the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire. Ali’s rope-a-dope strategy exhausted Foreman, who suffered his first loss but cemented his place in the mythos of modern boxing.

Knocked Down, Born Again

After a surprise defeat to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman experienced what he described as a near-death vision in the dressing room. He retired abruptly and became a born-again Christian, dedicating the next decade to preaching and community work. He opened a youth center in Houston and became a minister — roles he would cherish for the rest of his life.

But in 1987, at the age of 38, Foreman launched a stunning comeback. Sporting a bulkier frame and a jovial demeanor that contrasted sharply with his earlier persona, he returned to the ring and quickly reminded opponents that his power was undiminished.

In 1994, at 45, Foreman made history. After years of being dismissed as a relic, he knocked out 26-year-old Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title — becoming the oldest man ever to do so. He wore trunks bearing the name of his late mother and raised his gloves to the heavens in one of boxing’s most emotional victories.

More Than a Fighter: The $300 Million Comeback

Foreman’s second act — as a pitchman — was even more lucrative than his first.

In the 1990s, he partnered with Salton, Inc. to promote a low-fat electric grill. Initially a modest side gig, the George Foreman Grill became a cultural phenomenon, eventually selling over 100 million units worldwide. Foreman’s affable image and health-conscious message were key to its success.

It is estimated that Foreman earned over $200 million from the grill, more than 10 times his total boxing earnings, which stood around $20–30 million across both stages of his career. In 1999, Salton reportedly paid Foreman a lump sum of $138 million to buy out the rights to use his name — one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in history.

By the 2000s, George Foreman’s total lifetime earnings exceeded $300 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes of all time — an astonishing feat for a man who once walked away from boxing to become a small-town preacher.

Family, Faith, and Fortune

Outside the ring and the boardroom, Foreman was a deeply committed father and man of faith. He had 12 children — including five sons, all named George, and a daughter, Freeda, who briefly pursued her own boxing career before her tragic passing in 2019.

Known for his wit and warmth, Foreman became a fixture on talk shows, sitcoms, and commercials, always delivering with a smile. He brought grace to the second half of his life and used his fame and fortune to give back generously to his community.

A Giant’s Legacy

Tributes have poured in from around the globe for a man who was larger than life both inside and outside the ring.

Frank Bruno, former British heavyweight champion, called him “one of the most recognisable faces of boxing and a real personality.”

The World Boxing Council (WBC) hailed Foreman as “one of the most beloved and respected champions the sport has ever seen.”

Lennox Lewis, another former heavyweight champion, tweeted: “George Foreman was not just a champion in the ring — he was a champion of the human spirit. His comeback inspired millions, and his faith and humor made him unforgettable.”

Evander Holyfield praised Foreman as “a true warrior who never let age define his limits. He showed the world how to fight with faith, heart, and purpose.”

Mike Tyson, who had once been considered a dream opponent for Foreman in the late ’80s, posted: “Big George was a powerhouse and a gentleman. He paved the way for all of us who came after. Rest in power, champ.”

Beyond the boxing world, tributes came from the business and entertainment communities.

Daymond John, entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor, said: “George Foreman was the original comeback king — a man who turned a second chance into a global brand. His success was about more than product — it was about authenticity.”

And from actor and fitness personality Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: “We lost a legend today. George Foreman showed us that strength is more than muscle — it’s resilience, faith, and the will to rise again.”

George Foreman was more than a boxer. He was a symbol of second chances — proof that it’s never too late to rise again, never too late to rewrite your legacy.

He rumbled, he rose, and he inspired. In and out of the ring, George Foreman fought the good fight. And he won.

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