Tributes continue to stream in for boxing legend George Foreman, who died "peacefully" at the age of 76, surrounded by his family.
In a statement on Instagram, the two-time world heavyweight champion boxer and Olympic gold medalist’s family said: "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 born in Texas in 1949. He grew up in Houston and turned to boxing at 17 in order to lose weight and "become a great street fighter".
He told “Ringside Report” in 2000: “Next thing I know, I was fighting as a Golden Glover. It basically all happened as an accident.”
At just 19 years old, he won a gold medal at the Mexico City Olympic Games in 1968.
Foreman told On “The Ropes”: "Winning that gold medal at the end, I wanted the whole world to know where I was from, so I picked up a small American flag and paraded around the ring to make sure they knew. This was my chance to represent my country. That was greater to me than even winning the boxing matches."
A hugely successful professional career followed but in 1974, he faced Muhammad Ali in a historic fight dubbed "the Rumble in the Jungle".
Ali, the underdog, defeated Foreman, leaving the more experienced boxer devastated.
Foreman told “Vogue Man” Arabia: "That night I lost everything I ever was. It was the most devastating event in my life as an athlete. I was not even a man no more.”
Foreman retired from boxing for good in 1999, finishing with 76 wins and five losses.
In 1994, Foreman launched the George Foreman Grill and in 2022, he competed on “The Masked Singer.”
He fathered 12 children, daughters Natalia, Leola, Michi, Isabella, Courtney, Georgetta and Freeda (who died in 2019), along with five sons all named George Edward Foreman.
He is survived by his fifth wife Mary Joan Martelly, who he married in 1985 and his children.
Following the news of his death, scores of people have taken to social media to pay tribute to the boxing legend.
This includes @MikeTyson who wrote on X: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
@ScottiePippen posted: “Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.”
Meanwhile, @ringmagazine described Foreman as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time”, in their post on the social media site which read: “The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of boxing legend George Foreman. Foreman is considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, and will be remembered as an icon of the sport forever. Our deepest sympathies are with George’s friends and family at this time.”
Fans have also described the impact that the boxer had on their lives, including who commented: “The George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali fight “Rumble in The Jungle” will always be considered a pivotal event in heavyweight boxing history RIP George Foreman.”
Others commented how the iconic boxer’s George Foreman Grill assisted them in the kitchen.
@Reflog_18 posted: “RIP George Foreman. Your grill got me through college” and @SpiritofPines wrote: “Rest in peace George Foreman. You were a massive presence in my dad’s life after the divorce.”
@FATHER_CLEF also posted: “We ain’t have air fryers growing up. We had George Foreman grills.”
* Additional reporting by Karishma Dipa.