Winning the gold metal for #TeamUSA at the 1968 Olympic Summer Games in Mexico City. Photo from George Foreman official Instagram page
LOS ANGELES, CA — The world of boxing mourns the passing of George Foreman, two-time heavyweight world champion, Olympic gold medalist, and global icon, who died peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news via his official Instagram account, stating he was surrounded by loved ones.
Among those who paid tribute was Filipino boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao, who posted:
“Rest in Paradise, Big George!” — Manny Pacquiao, March 21, 2025 (View on Facebook)
A Career That Captivated the World—and the Philippines
Although Foreman never fought in the Philippines, his name was known and respected in every corner of the country, where boxing is revered. Filipino fans followed his rise to Olympic gold in 1968, his devastating knockout of Joe Frazier in 1973 to win the heavyweight crown, and his iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” bout with Muhammad Ali. Despite losing that fight, Foreman cemented his place in boxing history.
In the Philippines, boxing is more than just a sport—it’s a national passion, a source of pride, and a deep part of the cultural fabric. From humble gyms to world-renowned arenas, the sport has long symbolized discipline, dignity, and opportunity.
For many Filipinos, George Foreman’s journey was about more than titles. It was a story of overcoming adversity, embracing humility, and giving back. His tale of redemption resonated deeply with Filipino boxing fans who saw in him the values they hold dear—perseverance, faith, and a strong sense of community.
From Fighter to Faith
In 1977, after a loss to Jimmy Young, Foreman experienced a spiritual awakening that he described as a near-death experience. It led him to retire at the height of his career and become an ordained Christian minister. He later founded the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, dedicating his time to helping at-risk youth.
“Boxing was just something I did. Being a minister is who I am,” he once said.
But his mission would bring him back to the ring in an unexpected and inspiring way.
The Return Bout: Fighting for a Cause
Foreman’s return to boxing in 1987 wasn’t about fame or unfinished business—it was about a cause. Facing financial challenges at his youth center, he returned to the ring to raise funds and keep his programs alive.
“I didn’t come back to prove anything,” Foreman said. “I came back to fund something that mattered.”
Older and heavier, Foreman defied the odds with grit, heart, and conviction. Each fight was more than a sporting event—it was a fundraiser for the future of underserved youth. His determination inspired fans worldwide and turned his comeback into one of the most beloved chapters in boxing history.
That journey reached its peak on November 5, 1994, when he shocked the world by knocking out undefeated Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight title. At 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion in history. He wore the same red trunks from his 1974 loss to Muhammad Ali—this time, walking away a victor not just in sport, but in life.
From Champion to Chairman
Foreman’s story didn’t end in the ring. In the 1990s, he became a household name once again—this time in kitchens around the world. Teaming up with Salton, Inc., he launched the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, a product that became a global sensation.
With over 100 million grills sold, Foreman earned an estimated $200 million, including a $137 million buyout in 1999 for lifetime rights to his name and likeness. His approachable personality and commitment to healthy living made him a marketing powerhouse, transforming him into one of the most financially successful athletes in history.
Remembering a Giant
Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985, and his 12 children—five sons and seven daughters, some from previous relationships. In a gesture both humorous and iconic, he named all five of his sons George: George Jr., George III (“Monk”), George IV (“Big Wheel”), George V (“Red”), and George VI (“Little Joey”).
“I named all my sons George so they’d always have something in common. If one of us goes up, then we all go up together,” he once explained.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
George Foreman’s life was one of triumph, loss, faith, and generosity. From Olympic gold to the pinnacle of boxing, from spiritual renewal to building a legacy of giving, he proved that greatness is not just defined by victories, but by how one uses those victories to empower others.
His comeback, his business success, and his dedication to his faith and family all speak to the power of second chances and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
As the world says goodbye to George Foreman, his legacy continues to inspire. He is remembered not only as a boxing legend but as a man who turned struggle into triumph, who dedicated himself to others with the same passion and determination he showed in the ring, and who proved that it’s never too late to make a lasting impact.
