Photo credit: ABC News
Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman has died aged 76, according to his family.
BBC reports that the American, known as Big George in the ring, built one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in the sport. He won Olympic gold in 1968 and, 21 years apart, claimed the world heavyweight title twice—the second making him the oldest champion in history at 45.
Foreman lost his first title to Muhammed Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974. His professional boxing career boasted an astonishing total of 76 wins including 68 knockouts. He retired from the sport in 1997 but not before he agreed to put his name to a bestselling grill – a decision that went on to bring him fortunes that dwarfed his boxing earnings.
His family said in a post on social media on Friday night: “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.
“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.”
Born in Marshall, Texas, on 10 January 1949, Foreman was raised along with six siblings by a single mother in the segregated American South. Dropping out of school, he turned to the streets and found his outlet in the ring.
He won the heavyweight medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He turned pro and won 37 consecutive matches. He lost only five bouts in his career. On retirement from boxing in 1977, he became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, which he found and built.
