George Foreman: 10 interesting facts to know about boxing icon

George Foreman, a two-time world heavyweight champion, passed away on Saturday, March 22, at age 76. His family confirmed the news, expressing their grief over the loss of “Big George,” who won 76 of his 81 professional fights after capturing Olympic gold in 1968.

Here are 10 interesting things to know about George Foreman, the oldest heavyweight champion and one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Remarkable boxing career

Foreman was an American professional boxer, businessman, minister, and author. Known for his powerful punching and enduring presence in the sport, he built one of the most remarkable careers in boxing history.

He won his first world heavyweight title in 1973 with a knockout victory over the undefeated Joe Frazier. A year later, he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Two decades later, in 1994, at 45 years old, Foreman defied the odds to reclaim the world heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

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Ring legacy

Known as Big George in the ring, Foreman had an enduring career, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and claiming the world heavyweight title twice, 21 years apart. His second title win made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history at age 45.

He lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974. However, Foreman boasted an astonishing total of 76 wins, including 68 knockouts—almost double that of Ali.

Life beyond boxing

Foreman retired in 1997, but not before he agreed to put his name to a best-selling grill—a decision that brought him fortunes that surpassed his boxing earnings.

His family shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “Our hearts are broken. 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.”

The statement continued: “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected—a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name for his family.”

Early life and struggles

Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949, and raised alongside six siblings by a single mother in the segregated American South.

He dropped out of school and turned to street robberies before eventually finding his outlet in boxing.
At age 19, Foreman won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City before turning professional and winning 37 consecutive matches. Over his career, he lost only five bouts.

Historic fights

In 1973, Foreman defeated the undefeated Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, knocking him down six times in the first two rounds to claim the heavyweight title.

His 1974 Rumble in the Jungle against Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), remains one of the most famous boxing matches in history.

Foreman reflected on the legendary fight 50 years later, stating that many thought he would decimate Ali. “Oh, he’s not going to last one round,” experts predicted.

However, Ali used a tactic later known as “rope-a-dope” to tire Foreman out. After throwing hundreds of punches, Foreman was exhausted, allowing Ali to knock him out in the eighth round.

Faith and ministry

After suffering his second professional loss, Foreman retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, which he founded.

He credited his defeat to Ali as the “best thing that ever happened to me,” as it led him to his true calling in preaching. His ministry grew from small gatherings on street corners to a large congregation.

Comeback and record-breaking championship win

Foreman came out of retirement in 1987 to raise money for a youth centre he founded. He won 24 matches before losing to Evander Holyfield after 12 rounds in 1991.

In 1994, Foreman knocked out undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest-ever heavyweight champion at age 45.

Entrepreneurial success

Foreman became an advertising icon with the George Foreman Grill, which launched in 1994 and sold millions worldwide. His memorable catchphrase, “Lean Mean Grilling Machine,” helped make it a household name.

Personal life

Foreman was married five times and had 12 children, including five sons—all named George.
He explained that he named them after himself so they “would always have something in common.”
“I say to them, ‘If one of us goes up, then we all go up together. And if one goes down, we all go down together!’”

Foreman was married to Mary Joan Martelly from 1985 until his death. His previous marriages were to Adrienne Calhoun (1971-1974), Cynthia Lewis (1977-1979), Sharon Goodson (1981-1982), and Andrea Skeete (1982-1985).

A lasting legacy

Outside the ring, Foreman was a successful entrepreneur, a pastor, and a philanthropist, dedicating his later years to inspiring others.

George Foreman leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in boxing and beyond—a true giant of the sport whose impact will never be forgotten.