Boxing Legend George Foreman Dead at 76

Boxing legend George Foreman has died at 76 years outdated, his household introduced Friday.

“Massive George” — a two-time heavyweight champion — participated in among the most necessary boxing occasions of all time.

Foreman burst onto the scene in 1968 on the Summer season Olympics in Mexico Metropolis … the place he received a gold medal.

Shortly after the Video games, George turned professional. In 1973, Foreman defeated then undefeated heavyweight champ, Joe Frazier, securing his first title simply years into his skilled profession.

After defending the belt twice, George, 25 years outdated and unbeaten, confronted Muhammad Ali in 1974 in probably the most memorable boxing matches ever, coined “The Rumble In The Jungle,” in Zaire.

Ali shocked Foreman, successful by eighth spherical TKO.

Years later, the lads would change into very shut. When Ali died in 2016, George advised us … “I misplaced my finest buddy.”

In 1977, Foreman retired and have become an ordained minister shortly after hanging up his gloves. George devoted his life to God … and preached at a Houston space church.

After a 10-year hiatus from the game, George introduced his comeback in at almost 40 years outdated in 1988.

Regardless of not having the crushing energy punches he had in his earlier days, Foreman as soon as once more grew to become heavyweight champion in 1994 on the age of 45, defeating 26-year-old Michael Moorer.

With the win, GF made historical past, turning into the oldest heavyweight champ within the historical past of the game. The comeback continues to be thought of probably the most spectacular feats in sports activities historical past.

In 1997, with a document of 76-5 (68 KOs), Foreman retired for good … as one of many best to ever grace a hoop.

As spectacular a fighter as he was, his household additionally highlighted his private accomplishments exterior of the ring — “A religious preacher, a faithful husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and nice grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering religion, humility, and goal.”

“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply revered — a pressure for good, a person of self-discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, combating tirelessly to protect his good identify — for his household.”

His household continued … “We’re grateful for the outpouring of affection and prayers, and kindly ask for privateness as we honor the extraordinary lifetime of a person we had been blessed to name our personal.”

On high of being probably the most in style pugilists ever, Massive George was additionally the face of the long-lasting George Foreman Lean Imply Fats-Lowering Grilling Machine, probably the most commercially profitable merchandise in many years.

Foreman was inducted into the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame in 2003.