Former heavyweight champion George Foreman dead at 76

A sports icon from days gone by is no longer with us.

I am very sad to report that George Foreman, the former Heavyweight Champion of the World, has passed away.

George is Gone

According to reports, Foreman died on Friday, surrounded by his family.

The announcement stated, "Our hearts are broken. 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.”

Foreman was 76 years old.

Foreman v. Ali

Foreman was a fighter during an era we are likely never to see anything remotely like again. When he fought, cities shut down to watch these title fights.

One of my favorite fights, if not my all-time favorite, was when Foreman went up against Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle.”

Ali knew he could never stand in the middle of the ring and trade punches with Foreman, so he employed the “rope-a-dope” strategy to tire Foreman out before going on the offensive.

Ali just leaned on the ropes, dodging, weaving, and blocking punch after punch that Foreman threw until Ali turned the tide in the eighth round when he sensed that Foreman had punched himself out.

Foreman v. Frazier

When George Foreman and Joe Frazier met for the first time, Foreman was 37-0, having only gone the distance three times in his professional career.

Frazier was holding the WBA and WBC titles at the time after they were stripped from Ali, as well as having defended the titles successfully several times, then he ran into Foreman.

Foreman made quick work of the champ, dropping him three times in the first round alone, as Frazier was getting crushed with bombs along the ropes by Foreman. Frazier went down again three more times in the second, where the fight was stopped at the 2:26 mark.

This is the fight that produced the timeless call by Howard Cosell, "Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!" This was the first time that Foreman had been crowned the champ. Rest in peace, Champ, and thank you for the amazing boxing moments you created during your career.